Abu Dhabi, UAE – Formula 1 has emphatically dispelled any conjecture regarding the possible cancellation of the season-concluding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, despite regional turmoil induced by the Israel-Hamas war.
Amidst speculations that “safety apprehensions” might jeopardize the event, Formula 1 has issued an official statement asserting that the race remains on track, scheduled to unfold from November 24 to 26.
The basis for these rumors can be traced back to a recent update from the UK Foreign Office. This update, published on Sunday, cautioned British tourists visiting the United Arab Emirates about an elevated risk of terrorist threats.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO) advisory offered an “updated assessment that the risk of terrorist attacks occurring in the UAE is highly probable.” However, it is worth noting that similar advisory notifications are currently in place for other nations like Germany, France, Belgium, and Bahrain. Formula 1 has already conducted races in the latter two countries during this season.
This recent guidance alteration does not seem to be directly linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which erupted on October 7, initiated by a deadly Hamas attack on Israel. The conflict has led to continuous military responses from Israel, resulting in over 1,400 Israeli casualties in Hamas’s surprise attack last month, as claimed by Israel. In contrast, the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reports more than 9,000 Palestinian casualties due to Israeli Defense Forces’ retaliatory actions in Gaza.
In a separate development, concerns were raised by drivers during last year’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix following a missile attack on an oil facility in close proximity to the Jeddah circuit. Ultimately, the race proceeded after an extensive deliberation.
Formula 1 is presently in Brazil for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend, with drivers expected to address the media later on Thursday.
