F1's vigilant eye fixed on Qatar in the wake of bombing

The Israeli military confirmed it had carried out a “precise strike” on Tuesday, targeting Hamas leaders. Six people were killed.

Qatar’s foreign ministry reacted strongly, issuing a statement which read: “While the State of Qatar strongly condemns this assault, it confirms that it will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behaviour and the ongoing disruption of regional security, nor any act that targets its security and sovereignty.”

The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for November at the Lusail International Circuit, located just a few kilometres from where the bombing occurred. With Doha also serving as a major transport hub in the region, the strike has raised questions about the safety of the event.

Domenicali confirmed Formula 1 is watching developments carefully but said it is too early to say if the race is under threat.

“That is very tragic, very difficult,” Domenicali told The Observer. “We are monitoring the situation very closely but we are not in a situation today where we can say that it is a concern [for the race to go ahead]. We hope that sport will bring positivity.”

The former Ferrari team principal also explained the particular role Formula 1 plays in international sport. With races often negotiated directly with heads of state and government leaders, the championship remains closely tied to the political realities in the countries it visits.

Nevertheless it is no exempt of risk. In 2022 a missile strike on an Aramco oild facility put the race in jeopardy. Although, shortly after the attack, F1 and FIA top brass announced the race would continue as planned.

With Domenicali stating there's no reason to believe the race is at risk, the calendar will remain as it was planned with Qatar taking place before the season finale in Abu Dhabi.