F1 chiefs watching Israel-Hamas war closely amid concern for Abu Dhabi GP

26 October 2023 , 17:13

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The 2023 F1 season is scheduled to end in Abu Dhabi (Image: Getty Images)

The Israel-Hamas war currently poses no risk to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix season finale, understands.

The conflict has caused significant instability in the Middle East. And there is an ever-present risk that peace in neighbouring countries could be threatened given the politics of the situation.

Formula 1 teams have raised the issue internally with the sport's chiefs, given the last stop on this season's global tour is, as has become the custom, Abu Dhabi. It is scheduled to take place a month from now on the final weekend of November.

But though it has been discussed, there is currently no indication that the conflict between Israel and Hamas will have any bearing on the Grand Prix being run. It is understood F1 bosses are monitoring the situation and will continue to do so, but there is no threat to the race as it stands.

However, may still be a nervy subject for some team bosses, given F1 has had a fairly recent reminder that geopolitics in the region can pose a threat. A missile attack just a few miles from the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix circuit last year was cause for concern, though after discussions the race weekend pressed ahead as planned.

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That attack was carried out by Houthi rebels in response to bombing in Yemen by Saudi forces. And the same group also targeted the United Arab Emirates last year in separate attacks on the country's main airport, a military base and an oil depot.

There are worries that Iran, which supports Hamas, may wade into the conflict which would bring further instability to the region. The Houthis are also backed by Iran so they too may become more active, as could Lebanon-based Hezbollah.

And it is not beyond the realms of imagination that such groups could turn their attentions to the UAE again. The country is allied with both the US and Israel, as is Saudi Arabia, making both states potential targets.

F1 declined to make an official comment on the situation when approached. But it is understood that there is no alarm over the situation as it stands and that the Abu Dhabi GP is expected to go ahead as planned with few, if any, alterations.

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has called upon both sides to end the bloodshed amid concerns over civilians casualties as a result of the conflict. He wrote on social media: "The impact of the ongoing suffering and loss is devastating and it is inexcusable that innocent people, children in particular, are being targeted. We cannot accept that."

Daniel Moxon