The CEO is not concerned that conflicts will impact the F1 season.
"At this moment, we haven't received any such signal."
Formula 1 has a contingency plan in case the conflicts in the Middle East escalate further in 2025. Recently, Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko mentioned that events, including Formula 1, continue amidst the intensifying conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and Iran. Baku, along with Qatar and Abu Dhabi, is situated close to these conflict zones, leading to concerns that Formula 1 may be unable to travel to these locations in the latter part of this season.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed during a visit to Downing Street that commenting on the situation is quite challenging. Following Iran's recent attack on a U.S. airbase in Qatar, nearby airline operations faced disruptions. Nevertheless, Domenicali does not perceive a significant risk that Grand Prix races will need to be canceled.
"So far, we don’t have this kind of signal, and we're sincerely hoping that it won’t come to that," stated the Italian. "I prefer not to contemplate it, especially for the broader context and not just for the sake of racing. We do have a plan in place should it become necessary, but I hope it never reaches that point."
If races are indeed canceled, finding alternative venues in Europe might prove challenging due to weather conditions. "Europe is quite large," Domenicali remarked. "Some regions experience fairly mild temperatures. We certainly cannot host events where snow is possible," he added with a smile. "However, as I've mentioned, I'm not even considering that possibility. We are not at all concerned that such issues will impact the championship."
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