F1: Abu Dhabi GP not at risk due to Israeli war (Update)

(GMM) Formula 1 has hit back at suggestions the sport’s 2023 season finale in Abu Dhabi will have to be called off.

As the Brazilian GP weekend kicked off on Thursday, whispers circulated the Interlagos paddock that the FIA may be forced to axe Abu Dhabi for now because of the situation in Israel-Palestine.

Jeremy Satis, the correspondent for the French specialist magazine Auto Hebdo, believes the rumors were triggered by the latest travel advice issued about the United Arab Emirates.

In light of the current situation, the British Foreign Office concluded earlier this week that “the risk of terrorist attacks in the UAE is very likely”.

The foreign office added that Hamas terrorists have made specific references to attacking “western interests” across the entire Gulf region.

Satis reports: “Formula 1 denied the rumors of cancellation on Thursday, stating that the Abu Dhabi GP will take place on November 26 as planned”.

Indeed, F1 has gone ahead with other races in the region, including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, in recent years despite similar UK travel warnings.

The sport’s officials are said to have explained the context of the latest Foreign Office declarations to the Formula 1 team bosses directly.

Organizers of the Abu Dhabi GP as Yas Marina also denied the cancellation rumors.

“We can confirm that Abu Dhabi GP 2023 will take place as planned,” organizers said in a statement.

“We are working with our partners to ensure this year’s F1 finale runs as smoothly and safely as possible for everyone attending with final preparations underway as Yas Marina.”

F1 has dismissed speculation that the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix could be cancelled amid the Israeli conflict in the Middle East.

Fear mongering rumors began following a UK Foreign Office update, which said British tourists visiting the UAE should be wary of the increased threat of terrorist attacks.

The updated guidance is understood not to be related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Following speculation on social media on Thursday morning that “safety concerns” could lead to the race being cancelled, F1 released a statement dismissing the claims regarding the event, which is scheduled to take place from November 24-26.

The latest advice on the FCDO website provided an “updated assessment that the risk of terrorist attacks happening in the UAE is very likely”.

However, this is the same advice currently issued for other countries such as Germany, France, Belgium and Bahrain, with F1 having raced in the latter two this year.

The FCO notes: “Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region.

“These include references to attacks on Western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests as well as crowded places, including restaurants, hotels, beaches, shopping centers and mosques.

“You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places and at public events.

“There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets.

“You should remain vigilant at all times.”