F1 Today: FIA boss delivers crucial Qatar and Abu Dhabi GP update as Horner reveals Mercedes talks

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has insisted that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix are still expected to go ahead as scheduled, despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The situation has already affected the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, with the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix cancelled earlier this year. The Bahrain race was subsequently rescheduled and held in Malaysia at the beginning of October. Speaking to The Race, Ben Sulayem stressed that the safety of drivers, officials and staff remains the priority, but said he currently sees no reason why the final two rounds of the championship cannot take place.

The FIA president, whose family lives in the United Arab Emirates, also pointed to his own experience of the situation in the region, explaining that he would not leave his family there if he believed they were in danger.

However, he acknowledged that circumstances could change and that nobody can predict what might happen in the coming weeks. For now, both races remain on the calendar, with the FIA also prepared to make alternative staffing arrangements if travel restrictions become an issue.

Christian Horner has revealed that he turned down an offer to lead Mercedes at the end of 2012, before Toto Wolff joined the German manufacturer the following year.

The former Red Bull team principal explained that three-time world champion Niki Lauda approached him over Christmas in an attempt to convince him to leave Red Bull and take charge of Mercedes' Formula 1 operation.

Despite being offered an attractive financial package, Horner decided to remain with Red Bull out of loyalty to the team's founder, Dietrich Mateschitz, who had given him the opportunity to become team principal in 2005.

Mercedes subsequently recruited Wolff in 2013, while Ross Brawn remained team principal for that season. The team went on to dominate the beginning of Formula 1's hybrid era, winning eight consecutive constructors' championships between 2014 and 2021.

Horner's revelations also come alongside details of Lewis Hamilton's discussions with Red Bull in 2012. The British driver considered joining the team before leaving McLaren, but concerns about pairing him with Sebastian Vettel and the financial demands involved prevented the move from progressing.