Senior F1 figures are ‘privately’ concerned about the ‘worst-case scenario’ actually happening at the Qatar Grand Prix, according to a new report.

Amid the celebrations following Kimi Antonelli’s clinching of the 2026 drivers’ title in Mexico City, there was also some cause for concern inside the F1 paddock regarding the running of the Qatar Grand Prix at the end of November.

One MotoGP manufacturer, Yamaha, has already pulled out of the race weekend and is expected to be handed sporting penalties as a result.

While there have been no official statements from F1 teams regarding their opinion on travelling to Qatar in three weeks, Andrew Benson from the BBC has shed more light on the paddock’s concerns over the running of round 22/23.

Senior F1 paddock figures share their private concerns over the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix

The FIA are clearly concerned about the ongoing situation in the Middle East, as shown through their decision to move the 2027 Dakar Rally from Saudi Arabia to Africa ahead of its commencement in January.

According to the British broadcaster’s report, the results of the Israeli election and the United States’ midterms are paramount to their decision, due to concerns of an ‘escalation’ taking place in the aftermath.

Still, ‘many people’ in F1 are adamant that holding the final two rounds of the season in the Middle East is ‘the wrong thing to do’, with senior figures highlighting their concerns about the ‘worst-case scenario’ potentially taking place during either race weekend.

This would involve a serious escalation involving Qatar and Abu Dhabi. One that would see missiles flying overhead once again. The airspace would likely be closed, leaving around 2500+ people potentially stranded.

On top of that, there is also the obvious possibility of danger for everyone working at the track. An attack that involves F1 personnel would be disastrous for the sport, from both a humane perspective as well as a PR one.

Imola remains in wait to hold the season finale if a last-minute decision is made on Abu Dhabi, but a decision will need to be made quickly due to the logistical challenges of a race weekend.

The F1 paddock, along with each team’s raft of equipment, will begin to make its way to Qatar following the conclusion of the Las Vegas Grand Prix on the 21st of November. Any sort of airspace closure or maritime blockade could throw things into disarray and force F1 to immediately reconsider.