Carlos Sainz: "Challenging to be persuaded" that F1 2026 can conclude in the Middle East.

The situation is also likely to be impacted by the US midterm elections on November 3, with several reports indicating that the US and Israel may prepare for new actions against Iran thereafter.

F1 has been developing a contingency plan that includes an alternative season finale in Imola during the weekend of the scheduled Abu Dhabi race, but all signs from series officials suggest they are keen to move forward with the Middle Eastern double-header based on the current information and assurances received from various stakeholders.

However, Sainz, who serves as director of the F1 drivers association GPDA, believes it is "difficult" and "premature" to visualize a conclusion in the region given the current news developments.

Abu Dhabi GP 2025

"They seem quite certain that it will proceed," Sainz stated on Thursday, prior to this weekend's United States Grand Prix in Austin. "I think on a personal level, and not speaking as a GPDA representative, it's quite hard to feel confident at this moment because there are still many developments occurring in the Middle East.

"Additionally, there is an impending election in the US, and various political factors could drastically influence the situation in the next month and a half. Therefore, I believe it's somewhat premature to be so assured."

Nonetheless, Sainz acknowledged that the drivers have little option but to place their trust in the decisions made by series executives, as they possess more insight into the realities on the ground.

"As it stands, we would proceed to Qatar and Abu Dhabi, and if the FIA and Formula 1 determine that it remains safe and a viable scenario, I think we, as drivers, have to follow their guidance," the Spanish driver added.

"It's not that we have as much insider information as they do, so we need to adhere to their direction and trust their judgment.

"But given the current circumstances, I think the world can shift significantly in the next month and a half. So we need to be [reactive] to whatever transpires and not just proceed because we want to at this moment."