F1 Officials Outline Three Contingency Plans for Middle East Races

Team bosses from F1 have outlined three contingency plans for the 2026 season finale, which includes races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. The situation in the Middle East remains uncertain, with ongoing conflicts and recent attacks on Saudi airports from Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

Williams principal James Vowles and Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies discussed the plans before the Mexico City GP. Vowles stated that F1 and the FIA have provided multiple options, including an A plan, B plan, and C plan, and that the decision is being made carefully.

Mekies emphasized that teams rely on FIA and F1 to assess the situation, noting that past decisions have been correct. He added that all teams are in the same position and that logistics are managed through F1 and the FIA.

F1 and FIA president Muhammed Ben Sulayem have confirmed the Middle East races will go ahead. However, geopolitical experts warn that tensions could rise again, especially with the US mid-term elections and potential military actions by President Trump.

The second option is to hold races in Europe, similar to how the World Endurance Championship has moved events to Barcelona and Monza. The third option is to end the season early with Las Vegas as the final race.