Wolff backs F1 plans to race in Middle East

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has said Formula 1 is right to go ahead with its plans to race in the Middle East, despite the US-Iran war prompting other motor racing series to cancel events in the region. Liberty Media held the MotoGP event in Qatar last weekend, although one manufacturer stayed away over safety concerns about travelling there.

F1 has confirmed it has abandoned its back-up plan to move the final round of 2026 to Imola in Italy should its planned events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi not proceed. Wolff told the BBC that people questioning the decision should pay less attention to social media and trust the commercial rights holder and the FIA.

Wolff added that no staff will be forced to attend the final two rounds, and that there will be no sanctions on teams for anyone who declines. He said anyone who chooses not to go would give someone else an opportunity.