{
  "id": 16126338,
  "title": "Sainz says talk of F1 racing in Middle East is ‘premature’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/sainz-says-talk-of-f1-racing-in-middle-east-is-premature-16126338",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-22T22:25:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/10/23/sainz-says-talk-of-f1-racing-in-middle-east-is-premature"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Williams driver Carlos Sainz has expressed skepticism about the idea of Formula One races taking place in the Middle East during the current situation. He believes that the drivers do not have enough inside information and should trust the decision-making of those managing the sport. The FIA and Formula One have stated that the calendar remains unchanged despite the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region and the ongoing Iran war. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed that the races in Qatar on November 29 and Abu Dhabi on December 6 would proceed. However, Sainz, who is also a director of the Grand Prix Drivers Association, is less convinced and emphasizes that it is difficult to be convinced right now due to various political and global events taking place. He noted that the world could change significantly in the next month, and drivers should remain vigilant and adaptable. The possibility of a backup circuit, Imola, was mentioned, but Sainz highlighted the potential challenges with cold weather in early December. McLaren's Oscar Piastri suggested that Australia might be a better option for a late November race.",
  "summary": "Carlos Sainz, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, said the world could change a lot in the next month amid talk of F1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Sainz says talk of F1 racing in Middle East is 'premature'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/sainz-says-talk-of-f1-racing-in-middle-east-is-premature",
        "published": "2026-10-22T20:10:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}