F1 teams receive firm guarantee: otherwise some would have considered not traveling

As if nothing was amiss in the Middle East, the organizers of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix announced the artists set to perform at the Yas Marina Circuit this year. Among others, Zara Larsson, Lewis Capaldi, and Imagine Dragons are all on the list. However, these concerts will not take place because there will be no Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Publicly, FOM continues to communicate that the Formula 1 calendar remains unchanged. Should there be any changes, they will be communicated accordingly. It may take weeks before Formula 1's worst-kept secret is officially announced: there will be no Grands Prix in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, and the season will conclude in Imola.

F1 teams have now been guaranteed that they will not have to travel to Qatar and Abu Dhabi. For some teams, this could have been an issue, while for others it would not have been. For example, Cadillac's American identity could make the team a target.

That risk is less likely at the circuit itself, but it could be a concern at the hotel or on the way there. Moreover, it is impossible to insure an American outfit for a trip to the Middle East if the US government advises against non-essential travel to the region.

To be clear, discussions about a team potentially withdrawing from a Grand Prix were not necessary, as everyone internally received clarity from FOM. Had that not been the case, however, there certainly would have been teams that at least seriously considered skipping the trip. A field with fewer cars is the last thing FOM wants.

There is a simple reason why FOM has not announced what everyone already knows: money. Formula 1 receives tens of millions in hosting fees from the Middle East. If FOM cancels a Grand Prix, the organizers do not have to pay a single penny.

F1 therefore hopes that Qatar and Abu Dhabi will be the ones to pull the plug, or that a financial compromise can be reached. This website understands that Abu Dhabi, in particular, is currently holding firm.

Meanwhile, next week, Formula 1 will announce its 2027 calendar. It will include all the Middle Eastern races as usual, along with the proposed dates for pre-season testing in Bahrain, as if nothing at all were happening in the region.