Wolff says drivers should skip Qatar GP if they fear risk

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has said Formula 1 should follow MotoGP's stance ahead of the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, telling drivers that if they want to race they should go, and if they do not, they should stay at home.

MotoGP is racing at the Lusail circuit in Qatar this weekend despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East, though Yamaha withdrew its four riders and 19 of the 22 riders signed a letter saying they would not race without the championship taking responsibility for any problems. The Lusail International Circuit has issued an emergency response plan covering both the MotoGP and Formula 1 weekends, with the F1 race due at the end of November.

Wolff said he trusts F1 chief Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to follow international guidelines, travel restrictions and local government feedback when deciding whether to go ahead, and he respects individual drivers' decisions on the matter.