FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said Formula 1’s final races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi would proceed as planned under his current assessment. He left room for changes if circumstances required them. The governing body has also prepared another team in case government travel restrictions prevent key personnel from attending.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of motor sport’s governing body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), said Formula 1’s races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi would proceed as planned. Speaking to media on Tuesday, he gave the federation’s current assessment of the final two races of the season. His comments addressed questions about whether the venues were safe to use.[1], [2]
Ben Sulayem said he would not send staff, drivers or officials somewhere he considered risky. He referred to his family living in the United Arab Emirates when describing his own confidence about travelling. He also acknowledged that he could not predict future events and left open the possibility that plans might change.[1]
The FIA has prepared another team that could be used if government travel restrictions or advice prevent key Formula 1 personnel from attending. Asked about Imola as a possible replacement finale, Ben Sulayem said the federation was always ready. He recalled earlier changes to the calendar after requests from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.[1]
