F1 says no risk to Abu Dhabi GP amid Middle-East tensions

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Formula 1 has reportedly informed the sport’s teams that the Abu Dabi Grand Prix is not at risk of being cancelled despite rising tensions in the Middle-East due to the war in Gaza.

Rumors emerged this week on the internet suggesting that F1’s season finale, which is scheduled to take place at Yas Marina on November 24-26, could be at risk following an update by the UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office on its travel advisories for the United Arab Emirates.

The FCO stated that “Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the UAE. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.

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

"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 centres and mosques.

"You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places and at public events,” added the FCO.

"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."

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While the FCO’s advisory reads like a heightened and worrying alert for anyone travelling to the UAE, in reality the office has simply brought its advisory in line with the long-standing terror status levels shared by Germany, France, Belgium and Bahrain to name those countries that also host an F1 event.

According to Motorsport.com, Formula 1 has clarified the situation with the sport’s teams and personnel and indicated that the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will go ahead as scheduled.

In 2022, a missile attack carried out by Yemen’s Houthi rebel group during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend hit an oil depot located in the vicinity of the Jeddah Corniche circuit, which led to emergency meetings between F1’s team bosses and drivers.

But eventually, the race went on as planned.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.