FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem believes the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix can go ahead despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Middle East.
While no official decision has yet been made, and questions remain over whether travelling to the region is advisable, Ben Sulayem sees no immediate reason for concern.
Unrest in the Middle East has raised significant doubts about whether the remaining Formula 1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi should take place.
Earlier this year, the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix were removed from the calendar, while several other championships and sports opted to avoid the region for a year.
Even the Dakar Rally appears set to move from Saudi Arabia to Morocco in January.
Against this backdrop, the Formula 1 community is hoping for clarity as uncertainty continues over the two remaining Middle Eastern events.
Ben Sulayem urges perspective on Middle East concerns
While questions persist over the races, the FIA and Formula One Management (FOM) appear less concerned about the situation.
Speaking to The Race, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem pointed to his own family’s presence in the United Arab Emirates as evidence of his confidence in the region’s safety.
“I want to say one thing: my children are in the Emirates. Do you think I would leave them there and be sitting here with you now if it were dangerous?”
Ben Sulayem argued that the situation on the ground differs from how events are portrayed in the media, urging people to assess the circumstances carefully.
“You have to be sensible about this. Asking whether we might encounter problems is one thing. But what you read in the media is different from the situation there.”
He continued by explaining that reports of unrest do not necessarily reflect what he personally experiences in the Emirates.
“When we read something or see something on television, we ask ourselves: ‘Where is that, then?’ For us, it is simply not an issue. Why would I stay there otherwise? Why would I leave my family there?”
Despite expressing confidence that both races will take place, Ben Sulayem acknowledged that he cannot predict future developments.
“Does that mean it won’t go ahead? I cannot predict anything. All I can tell you is that today there is nothing wrong, and those two races are going ahead.”
FIA President confident F1 can travel safely
Ben Sulayem was also asked whether he believes the entire Formula 1 paddock can travel safely to the region.
The FIA President responded positively, again referring to his own presence and that of his family as the basis for his confidence.
“I am satisfied, yes, of course. Listen, do you think the FIA staff are more important to me than my family or myself? But if I am there, it means I feel safe there.”
