Carlos Sainz has urged Formula 1 and the FIA not to underestimate the uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Middle East.
Ahead of the United States Grand Prix in Austin, the Williams driver questioned whether the championship can already be confident that its final two races of the 2026 season, scheduled for Qatar and Abu Dhabi, will take place as planned.
Despite the ongoing regional conflict and concerns over safety, Formula 1 officials have repeatedly expressed their intention to maintain the original calendar.
Sainz believes such confidence may be premature, particularly given how quickly the international situation could evolve before the end of the season.
Sainz: “The Situation Could Change Very Quickly”
Speaking to reporters at the Circuit of The Americas, the Spaniard addressed the reassurances provided by Formula 1 and FIA officials in recent weeks.
According to Sainz, the championship’s governing bodies appear particularly confident that the races at Lusail and Yas Marina can proceed without disruption.
However, the Williams driver admitted that he does not fully share that confidence.
“They seem very convinced that the races will happen. Personally, and I’m not speaking on behalf of the GPDA, I find it difficult to be that convinced at the moment,” Sainz explained.
He pointed out that significant developments continue to unfold across the Middle East and that the coming weeks could also be influenced by major international political events.
Among them are the United States midterm elections, scheduled for November 3.
“There are still many things happening in the Middle East. We also have the elections in the United States and other political developments that could suddenly change the situation over the next month or month and a half.”
His assessment was clear: “I think it’s relatively premature to be so convinced.”
Sainz Is Not Calling for Cancellation
The Spaniard’s comments do not amount to a request to cancel either Grand Prix.
Sainz acknowledged that drivers do not have access to the same information as the FIA and Formula 1, particularly regarding security assessments and discussions with local authorities.
For that reason, he believes the drivers must ultimately rely on the decisions made by the organisations responsible for the championship.
“As things stand, we would go to Qatar and Abu Dhabi. If the FIA and Formula 1 decide that it is safe and that the conditions are suitable for racing, I believe we drivers should follow their guidance.”
Sainz emphasised that he was expressing his personal opinion rather than speaking on behalf of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, of which he is one of the directors.
His main concern is therefore the need to keep every option open rather than treating an assessment made today as a definitive guarantee for the coming weeks.
Ben Sulayem Confident Both Races Will Take Place
Sainz’s remarks follow recent comments from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who expressed confidence that the championship would conclude with its scheduled Middle Eastern races.
The FIA president explained that the situation is being monitored through direct communication with event organisers and authorities in the countries concerned.
Ben Sulayem also noted that his family lives in the region, something he considers relevant when discussing local perceptions of security.
Although acknowledging that future developments cannot be predicted with certainty, he maintained that the information currently available provides no reason to abandon the races.
He also stressed that the FIA would not send drivers, officials or personnel to locations considered unsafe.
Formula 1 has adopted a similar position, continuing to work with the relevant authorities while monitoring the evolving geopolitical situation.
Qatar and Abu Dhabi: Dates of the Final Two Races
The 2026 Formula 1 calendar is currently scheduled to conclude with two consecutive events:
- Qatar Grand Prix: November 27–29, Lusail International Circuit.
- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: December 4–6, Yas Marina Circuit.
The two races represent the final rounds of a season already affected by the conflict in the Middle East.
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was cancelled, while the Bahrain Grand Prix was relocated to Sepang in Malaysia and held in October.
Formula 1 is keen to avoid further calendar changes, particularly given the organisational and logistical challenges associated with rescheduling events at short notice.
However, Sainz warned that the international situation could change significantly within a relatively short period.
He therefore believes the championship must remain prepared to respond if new security concerns emerge.
Imola Remains a Potential Alternative
Among the options being considered by Formula 1 is a possible return to Imola.
The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari has been identified as a potential alternative venue for the final race of the season should the Middle Eastern events become impossible to stage.
The proposed date would be December 4–6, coinciding with the weekend currently allocated to Abu Dhabi.
However, such a move would present several challenges, particularly regarding weather conditions.
Racing at Imola in early December could mean extremely low temperatures, potentially affecting tyre performance and track conditions.
Oscar Piastri also joked about the possibility, suggesting that snowploughs might be needed.
For now, Imola remains an emergency option, and no official replacement has been announced.
Safety Remains the Central Issue
The contrasting positions of Sainz and Formula 1 officials highlight two different approaches to managing uncertainty.
On one hand, the FIA and Formula 1 believe the information currently available supports maintaining the scheduled races.
On the other, the Williams driver is urging caution, stressing how rapidly security conditions could change in a region affected by conflict.
Sainz is not directly challenging the organisers’ assessments but believes the championship must remain ready to revise its plans.
“The world can change a lot over the next month. We need to stay alert and be ready to react to whatever happens, rather than simply going because we want to go today.”
His position reflects a willingness to respect the decisions of the sporting authorities without underestimating the unpredictable nature of the