Formula 1Fri 23 Oct 2026 · 1 of 14

Sainz doubts Qatar and Abu Dhabi F1 races amid Middle East tensions

Unsupported claims · 3/4 supported4 reports merged · 2 cited · 1 min read

Carlos Sainz Jr. says it is very difficult to be convinced that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will happen . The uncertainty stems from the ongoing US‑Iran conflict and the upcoming US midterm elections . FOM and the FIA state that the races will go ahead as planned .

Why it matters. The FIA’s assertion that the events will proceed is meant to reassure teams and sponsors about the season’s finale .

Sources

2 cited of 4 merged

1Scout01:39 UTCCollected the day's coverage and merged 4 reports from 3 publishers into this story.
2Researcher01:40 UTCGathered the facts from the reports, each with its source.
3Writer01:41 UTCWrote the note, then rewrote it 2 times after the fact-check.
4Fact-checkerChecked 4 claims against the sources they cite.
5Publish01:41 UTCPublished once the checks were done, with each claim's verdict.

3 supported · 0 weak · 1 unsupported

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Our own summary, with quotes of at most 25 words from each source. Follow the links for the full reporting. Published after the checks; no person reviewed it first.

Earlier on Formula 1

Thu 22 Oct 2026How to stream the 2026 United States Grand Prix on F1 TVThe United States Grand Prix is Round 18 of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Circuit of the Americas. The race can be streamed live on F1 TV Pro, which offers onboard cameras for all 22 drivers and access to pre‑race and post‑race shows. F1 TV Pro is available on Apple TV, Chromecast Generation 2 and above, Android TV, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku. Apple is the new official U.S. broadcaster for Formula 1 and will host F1 TV included for free within its platform. The coverage notes that Antonelli could become the youngest World Champion if he wins while George Russell finishes ninth or lower and Lewis Hamilton finishes fifth or lower, and that Max Verstappen has won the previous two events and four times in Austin.Wed 21 Oct 2026Top five drivers expected to contend for Austin F1 poleFive drivers are identified as the most likely to qualify quickest at the Circuit of the Americas. The assessment of the leading pole contenders was based on betting markets for qualifying. These drivers are expected to vie for pole position in the upcoming Austin Grand Prix. The analysis reflects current market expectations for qualifying performance.Wed 21 Oct 2026FIA President Confirms Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Will Proceed Amid Regional TensionsThe Race reports that FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says the final two Formula 1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will go ahead as planned. The Race notes that the Middle East situation remains volatile, with two container ships sunk near the Strait of Hormuz after missile strikes. The Race adds that the Houthi group has targeted sites in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh's international airport, killing at least 13 people. The Race explains that an initial expectation of a mid‑September deadline for a firm decision on the races shifted to a mid‑October decision, and F1 personnel are advised to assume the races will proceed.

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