The Formula 1 community is also concerned about security ahead of the final leg of the 2026 season, following the report of a ballistic missile attack on Saudi Aramco’s headquarters complex in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, which has raised new questions about the safety of major sporting events in the Middle East.
The attack took place on October 13, when an administrative building at the oil giant’s headquarters was struck, causing damage to an office tower and setting fire to the building. Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry reported no casualties.
The development is timely as F1 is set to return to the Lusail International Circuit for the Qatar Grand Prix from November 27-29. The latest escalation comes as the circuit is roughly 164 kilometers from Dhahran in a straight line, complicating an already murky security situation in the area.
Qatar GP Security Concerns Grow After Aramco Missile Strike
The attack follows a series of escalating clashes between Yemen’s Houthis and Saudi Arabia, as well as missile and drone strikes that have hampered travel and other major events in the kingdom.
Photo by Alessio Morgese/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The repercussions are not limited to Saudi Arabia. The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have delayed a meeting in Riyadh on October 24 due to ongoing security concerns and travel disruptions. The ruling reflects the increasing difficulties for organizers of international events in the region.
The main concerns for Formula 1 are the safety of the personnel and the spectators, and the reliability of the travel arrangements for the teams, officials and broadcast crews. The championship’s season finale is nearing, and the prospect of airspace closures and flight disruptions could make it difficult for thousands of people to travel.
Will Formula 1 Cancel the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix?
Despite the uncertainty, Formula 1 plans to keep its 2026 season in the Middle East as scheduled.
F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali had previously confirmed that the final two races would be held in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, emphasizing that this would rely on the assurances being provided.
The Qatar Grand Prix is still on the official calendar for now. In the coming weeks, further measures or a change of plans may be required depending on the changing security situation.
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