NederlandsF1 weighs Middle East races as regional conflict disrupts sport
Source: BBC Sport · · added 1 hour ago
Formula 1 faces a major dilemma over racing in the Middle East, with the season finale due in Qatar on 27-29 November and Abu Dhabi on 4-6 December. The sport is currently pressing ahead with those plans after receiving security reassurances from various governmental sources, but many people within the sport have misgivings about going.
If the situation deteriorates in the coming week or so, those races could be cancelled and replaced by a single event at Imola in Italy on the Abu Dhabi weekend. The 2027 season is scheduled to open in Bahrain on 12-14 March, adding further uncertainty to the region's calendar.
The disruption extends beyond motorsport, with the Saudi Pro League postponing games and calling off a full round of fixtures following the Asian Cup postponement, and Al-Nassr players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, not travelling to Uzbekistan for an AFC Champions League match.