Wolff backs F1's plans to race in Middle East

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has said Formula 1 is right to press 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 staged last weekend's MotoGP round in Qatar, although one manufacturer stayed away over concerns about travelling there.

F1 has confirmed it has dropped its back-up plan to move the final round of 2026 to Imola if the planned events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi cannot go ahead. Wolff urged those questioning the decision to rely on official sources rather than social media, saying the commercial rights holder and the FIA should be trusted.

Wolff also said no staff will be forced to attend the final two rounds, with no sanctions for teams that decline. Anyone choosing not to go would give another person the chance to be tested in their place.