Carlos Sainz questions confidence over F1's Middle East finale with ‘premature’ verdict

The 2026 season is set to wrap up at the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races in late November and early December, respectively, despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East since the US and Iran war began in February. The New York Times also reported on Wednesday that more US-Israeli strikes on Iran are planned after the US midterm elections on November 3.

While separate to the US-Iran war, the US State Department has also ordered non-essential diplomatic staff and family members to evacuate Saudi Arabia following a series of deadly attacks by Houthi rebels.

Despite a December 6 Imola race having been drawn up as a contingency plan should the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races be cancelled, FIA President Ben Sulayem has insisted the final two rounds of the F1 season will take place in the Middle East.

The Emirati, whose family lives in the UAE told The Race on Tuesday: "Yeah, [I feel] fine [about these countries hosting a race]... "Does this say that there is nothing that is going to happen? I can't predict this. I can only tell you today that there is nothing and the two races are going to happen.”

However, Williams' Sainz - the director of the F1 drivers' association, the GPDA - said it was "difficult to be convinced" that the Middle Eastern races will go ahead.

Speaking during Thursday's US GP press conference, Sainz said: "They seem very convinced that it's going to go ahead. I think on my personal side, and not speaking as a GPDA, it's very difficult to be convinced right now because there's still plenty of things happening in the Middle East.

Sainz nonetheless said drivers will "follow the lead" of the FIA and F1, given they do not have as much "political information" as the two bodies. The former Ferrari man was wary, however, that the situation can change quickly.

He added: "As it stands, we would go to Qatar and Abu Dhabi and if the FIA and Formula 1 decide that's still safe and a good scenario, I think we as drivers have to go with whatever they say."

A few hours later, Williams then released a statement on Sainz's behalf, further clarifying the four-time race winner's comments and reiterating his trust in the sport's decision-makers.

The statement said: "Following some reporting of my comments in the press conference earlier today about ending the season in the Middle East, I want to be clear that I know the FIA and Formula 1 will put safety first and completely trust them to make the right decision. We look forward to racing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi."

During the same Austin press conference, McLaren's Oscar Piastri said he also trusted the relevant bodies to make the best decision, adding: "There’s been difficult situations in the past through conflicts and and all kinds of things, so we’ll put our trust in F1 and the FIA and we'll listen to their advice," while Red Bull's Isack Hadjar said: “Not much to add. It's out of my control, so I'll drive on the track I need to drive, and that's it.”