F1 Qatar and Abu Dhabi GPs hinge on US midterms and Middle East tensions

Formula 1's Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, pencilled in for November 30 and December 6, remain on schedule for now, with Imola being prepared as a back-up for Abu Dhabi's slot. The decision will depend largely on travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which currently warns of possible flight cancellations and disruption but does not advise against travel.

That advice will be reviewed after the outcome of the United States midterm elections on November 3, which are being seen as a referendum on President Donald Trump's performance. The House of Representatives is widely expected to flip to the Democrats, which could complicate Trump's agenda.

The Middle East crisis has already affected the F1 calendar, with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia postponed earlier this year and Jeddah the only race cancelled so far.