Formula 1 faces renewed questions over the safety of its remaining Middle Eastern races after Iranian news agency Fars published a list of potential retaliation targets that reportedly includes hotels used by F1 and MotoGP teams. The development adds another complication for Formula One Management (FOM), with the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix still scheduled to take place later this month and into December.
The list, titled ‘Zero Hour’, reportedly identifies dozens of locations across the Middle East that could become targets if the United States and Israel launch further attacks against Iran.
According to reporting by GPblog, hotels in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates used by Formula 1 and MotoGP personnel during race weekends appear among the locations identified.
However, the publication of the list does not establish that an attack is planned or imminent. Nor has Formula 1 announced any cancellation of its remaining races.
Iran’s reported target list increases pressure on Formula 1
The latest development comes at an increasingly sensitive moment for international motorsport.
The Middle East remains an important part of the Formula 1 calendar, with the championship due to visit Qatar before travelling to Abu Dhabi for the season finale.
The reported inclusion of hotels used by racing personnel raises questions beyond the security of the circuits themselves. Drivers, engineers, mechanics, hospitality staff, media representatives and other travelling personnel all require accommodation and transport throughout a Grand Prix weekend.
Consequently, any deterioration in the security situation could affect the wider organisation of an event, even if the circuit itself remains protected.
Fars has described its list as potential targets in the event of further military escalation. There is, however, no independently established evidence that the named locations face an imminent attack.
FOM preparing another assessment of the situation
Formula One Management is already facing pressure to demonstrate that the remaining races can take place safely.
GPblog previously reported that FOM intended to conduct another assessment of the situation following the United States midterm elections on November 3.
That assessment is particularly significant given the uncertainty surrounding the possibility of renewed military action and the potential consequences for countries hosting international sporting events.
For now, Formula 1 has not announced that either the Qatar or Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be cancelled.
The championship will need to consider the security arrangements not only at the circuits but also at accommodation locations, airports and the transport routes used by teams and personnel.
Yamaha’s Qatar withdrawal highlights motorsport concerns
Formula 1 is not the only championship confronting difficult decisions.
Yamaha has already confirmed that it will not participate in this weekend’s Qatar MotoGP round, scheduled for November 6–8.
The Japanese manufacturer cited its existing company-wide travel restrictions following an assessment of the situation in the Middle East.
In its official statement, Yamaha said it had “not identified sufficient grounds to change its existing company-wide travel restrictions”.
MotoGP, meanwhile, has maintained that the event can proceed after consulting the Qatari authorities, Lusail International Circuit and independent safety advisers.
Reuters reported that MotoGP had received assurances from Qatar regarding the safety of participants, including arrangements to ensure teams would not be stranded if the situation escalated.
The decision demonstrates the difficult balance facing international sporting organisations: respecting the concerns of teams and personnel while assessing whether sufficient safeguards are in place to continue with scheduled events.
Verstappen wants guarantees before travelling
Max Verstappen has also expressed reservations about travelling to the region, making clear that the situation must be assessed as the final races approach.
Speaking after the Mexican Grand Prix, the Red Bull driver highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the coming weeks.
“Of course, it mainly depends on what kind of guarantees they can give us and what happens in the coming weeks. I could say now, ‘Yes, I’d be happy to go there,’ but you don’t know if that will still be the case next week, as the situation in the region is still unstable,” Verstappen explained.
His comments underline the uncertainty facing drivers and teams, who must make travel arrangements while the political and military situation remains unpredictable.
For now, the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix remain on the Formula 1 calendar. However, the reported inclusion of team hotels on the Fars list adds another dimension to the security assessment facing FOM.
The priority will be establishing whether the necessary guarantees can be provided for everyone involved. Until those assessments are completed, the possibility of further changes to the final races cannot be ruled out.
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The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
The situation is definitely sensitive & Max pointed out that he doesn’t think F1 drivers will demand guarantees like MotoGP riders; pre-guarantees for everyone’s safety & well-being are nevertheless vital.
The Zero Hour list simply doesn’t give much confidence that the safety of everyone could definitely be guaranteed should the situation escalate yet again.
What kind of “guarantees” can possibly be given in this horribly unstable situation ?? Imola is offering its track- go there- write the Middle East off in 2026 and try again next year. It’s not worth it.