F1 Contemplates Cancellation of 2023 Abu Dhabi GP as Regional Conflict Plays Spoilsport

Formula 1 is still recovering from a dramatic Mexican GP, but the recent developments in the Middle East have triggered major hurdles in the Formula 1 calendar’s closing segment. While the F1 grid is set to arrive in Brazil this weekend, the following Las Vegas GP might just be the last stop on the calendar.

The officials of the sport closely monitor the situation as it unfolds, ensuring that the teams and drivers are not exposed to any uncertain risk. Although Abu Dhabi is the furthest in the Middle East from the conflict. With this information at hand, Formula 1 has already warned teams about the possibility of cancellation. This could spell disaster for fans expecting to witness the grand finale in Abu Dhabi. However, if it’s in the best interests of the drivers, the FIA and F1 management’s decision should be respected.

Tensions in the middle-east create a dangerous scenario for F1’s grand finale

The most recent scare for the F1 Community came at the Jeddah circuit in Saudi Arabia when a factory was attacked in close vicinity to the circuit. While the World Endurance Championship is set to hold its final round this weekend in Bahrain, the organizers over at F1 are ensuring that safety is the number one priority. With only two races left after the Brazilian GP, the season might end sooner than fans have expected.

While the organization aims to ensure safety, they have also kept the logistical requirements of the team in mind, in case a drastic decision is made. This is why fans will know of a decision soon enough, with the Las Vegas GP likely to become the season finale. This a stark reminder of the cancellation of the 2023 Imola GP due to similar uncontrollable reasons, it may be unfortunate that the season ends short of two races.

This would also mean that Lewis Hamilton will have fewer races to catch up to Sergio Perez, and the backmarker battle will also heat up. So if it’s the right thing to do based on safety, we should still get a fair amount of high-stakes racing. Not only that, the Las Vegas GP debut could become the season finale as well, not a usual occurrence in F1! The teams are eagerly waiting for a decision so they can adapt to the circumstances.

READ MORE: What Was the Missile Attack at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in F1?

Will the Las Vegas GP become the season finale?

While a grand finale in Las Vegas would be a spectacular event, there are economic repercussions that Formula 1 and Liberty Media will have to take into account. After all, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is well known for its revenue-generating capability, it will therefore take a huge chunk out of the sport’s earnings. Liberty Media cannot afford this with F1 viewership falling at the same time!

It’s fair to say that the pros and cons are stacking up on both sides. With the battle between Ferrari and Mercedes heating up, there is huge money on the table! The teams would not like the added pressure for sure. Apart from that, the refunds and change of travel plans that fans will have to make if the Abu Dhabi GP is canceled outweigh the major benefits of Las Vegas hosting the finale.

In an already action-packed season, where the world driver’s title and the constructor’s winner have already been decided, the F1 team can aim to market the Las Vegas GP as a grand finale to potentially lure in a bigger audience. However, they have already faced major complaints from the Vegas community regarding F1’s promotion practices, which means this might not be such a great idea after all.

WATCH THIS STORY | Rich History of F1 races in Las Vegas Throughout the Years

Will the fans be treated to the three weekends they are supposed to witness, or will the matter of safety decided otherwise? The decision regarding the cancellation of the Abu Dhabi GP will come soon enough. Stay tuned to find out!