F1 Confirms The 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Will Not Be Affected By The Israel-Gaza War

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023, will still be held despite warnings of terrorist attacks. (photo: twitter @F1)

JAKARTA Formula 1 organizers confirmed that the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix did not face a higher risk of delays due to speculation linking race stability to the Israel-Gaza war.

Rumors online indicate that the season's finals on November 24-26 are at risk of being canceled following an update from the UK's Office of Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Affairs (UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office).

On October 29, the FCO updated the level of terrorist alerts to the United Arab Emirates stating that "no side" attacks were "very likely" to occur, including in places "often being visited by foreigners".

"Terrorists continue to issue threatening statements to carry out attacks in the Gulf region," the FCO said.

"Including the threat of attacks on Western interests, including housing, military, oil, transportation and aviation interests as well as crowded places, including restaurants, hotels, beaches, shopping centers, and mosques. You must remain vigilant at high security levels, especially in public places and public events," added FCO.

"There is a threat of globally high terrorist attacks affecting the interests of Britain and British citizens, including from groups and individuals who view Britain and British citizens as targets. You should remain vigilant at any time," the FCO said.

The announcement of this latest warning was misinterpreted in response to the Israel-Gaza war. The increasing level of warning puts the United Arab Emirates on the same terror status as the recent F1 hosts such as Germany, France, Belgium, and Bahrain.

Therefore, F1 has stated that the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is not at a higher risk of delay.

Previously, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, scheduled for May 19-21, was canceled due to severe flooding in the region.

However, the 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has finally continued despite the fierce resistance of the riders after a missile strike took place at a nearby Aramco oil facility during the first training session.

The riders met for more than four hours, with talks continuing into the early hours of Saturday, as they considered boycotting the race before finally their safety concerns were addressed.

F1 removed Russia from the 2022 calendar following the Ukrainian invasion, while the 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix was canceled due to anti-government protests linked to the Arab Spring.