Sainz questions certainty over F1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi

Carlos Sainz said it was premature to be confident that Formula 1’s 2026 season would end with races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, questioning whether current assurances account for a fast-changing political and security situation in the Middle East. The Williams driver spoke ahead of the United States Grand Prix in Austin. He emphasized that his concern was personal and not an official position of the Grand Prix Drivers Association, where he is a director. Sainz said he found it difficult to share the confidence expressed by Formula 1 and the FIA, citing developments in the region and the possibility of political events affecting the coming weeks. The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for November 29, with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix set for December 6. The races remain on the 2026 calendar. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said this week that the situation was currently fine and that he expected both events to take place, while acknowledging that he could not predict what might happen. Sainz said drivers would follow the safety decisions made by Formula 1 and the FIA, which he said had access to more information than the competitors. He added that drivers would need to remain ready to...