F1 News: Abu Dhabi GP Under Threat Of Cancellation Amidst War Situation In Gaza

The UAE could be a target if the situation worsens.

Several questions have been raised about the safety of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this season over fears of an invasion of Gaza by Israel that could potentially destabilize the Middle Eastern region, with the UAE becoming one of the targets. 

It is said that F1 officials have been monitoring the situation closely over chances of the conflict escalating into a bigger one, which could potentially involve surrounding regions and countries such as Abu Dhabi.

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The issue was brought up last weekend in Austin when one of the team principals asked about the risks of racing at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi in a meeting with Formula 1 officials, as stated by MotorSport Magazine.

However, the response was that currently, the threat level is not seen as a significant one and thus, the race is due to go ahead as planned on November 26. That being said, the governments of countries in the surrounding region are preparing for the possibility of the conflict expanding beyond Gaza's boundaries. 

Consequently, the US is preparing to improve air defense around its military facilities in the region which includes the Al-Dhafra air base that is just 30 miles away from the Yas Marina circuit. 

The biggest fear comes from a supposed future invasion of Gaza by Israel which could upset the balance of power in the region. A Hamas-friendly Iran could also join the conflict, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Since the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been deepening their ties with Israel and the United States, it has made them a potential target of the rebels. Just last year, two ballistic missiles fired by Houthi rebels at the Al-Dhafra base were intercepted by the US forces.

A week before that attack saw drone attacks on an oil depot in Abu Dhabi, including a fire that was started at the international airport that is adjacent to the Yas Marina Circuit. 

Last year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was also hit by concerns about safety after a Houthi attack struck a Saudi Arabian oil facility during the Grand Prix weekend, which almost caused a cancellation of the event.

If tensions in the region are to escalate shortly, then there are high chances of a cancellation of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, especially in the case of a flight traffic disruption in the region. As of now, Formula 1 has not made an official comment about the situation and the plan that lies ahead if the conflict escalates further.