F1 Today: FIA boss delivers crucial Qatar and Abu Dhabi GP update as Horner reveals Mercedes talks
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will proceed as scheduled despite regional tensions. Additionally, Christian Horner revealed he previously turned down an offer to lead the Mercedes F1 team.
Why it matters
The confirmation of the F1 calendar provides stability for the sport, while the revelation about Horner offers insight into F1's historical management dynamics.
From FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem addressing the future of the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix amid tensions in the Middle East to Christian Horner revealing he almost became Mercedes boss before Toto Wolff's arrival, here are the main Formula 1 stories of the day.
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.
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