KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
The latest update from Formula One on the fate of the season-ending races in Abu Dhabi and Qatar is promising, with both events set to go ahead as planned despite continuing tensions in the Middle East.
Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali provided the latest vote of confidence from Malaysia, where Max Verstappen won the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang on Sunday amid rough weather and software issues. The race was moved from Bahrain after the original event was called off earlier this season amid the conflict involving Iran.
The Formula One calendar currently has the Qatar Grand Prix scheduled for November 27 – 29, followed by the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit from December 4 – 6.
"Based on the information we have, everything is confirmed for Qatar and Abu Dhabi," Domenicali told French broadcaster Canal Plus on the sidelines at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia this weekend.
He also repeated the confirmation in a chat with Sky Sport Italia. The Italian Domenicali insisted "that everything was in order" and that "teams and drivers were being kept informed of the situation." It has been reported that Imola in the Italian district of Bologna is on standby if the need arises.
He added that 99% of tickets had been sold in Abu Dhabi and that the season-ending race was generating "great excitement".
Formula One had originally indicated that a decision would be made around October 4 or by mid-October, depending on developments in the region.
Dutch four-time world champion Max Verstappen, said on the eve of the race in Sepang on Saturday that “normally I am happy to go to Qatar and Abu Dhabi, but you know, when there is a war nearby, and if some of the countries are in conflict with each other, then I think we shouldn't go," he told ViaPlay. "Then, it doesn't matter if you have a contract or not, I think. But it's not up to me."
Verstappen could only fight odds using his steering wheel and that he did splendidly in recording his first victory of this season.
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes finished second and was boosted in the overall standings by teammate George Russell having to retire from the race late on when sitting third. Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton took third instead.
Antonelli now leads nearest rival Russell by 84 points. Verstappen was on pole for the only time so far this season and his hopes of a first win since Abu Dhabi in December last year initially looked like they had evaporated — just like the rain on the drying track. But the Dutchman had other ideas.
"I'm incredibly proud of everyone. It was very hectic, with a lot of different things," Verstappen said after his 72nd career win in F1. "We kept it all under control."
Seven races, including Abu Dhabi’s grand finale, remain on the calendar of 23 rounds with the FIA committed to hold at least 21 races.
For Abu Dhabi, the focus now turns to Yas Marina Circuit and the December 4 – 6 finale, with Domenicali's comments providing the clearest indication yet that the emirate remains on course to play host.