Photo via Autosport

What’s behind the delay in cancelling the Qatar and Abu Dhabi GPs?

Ongoing regional hostilities in the Middle East have made the eventual abandonment of the final two rounds of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi appear certain for months. While public messaging from the commercial rights holder insists the events remain scheduled, backup arrangements are actively being prepared behind the scenes.

Members of the Formula 1 paddock have adopted a similar approach, as seen with hotel bookings in Imola reflecting the expectation of changes.