F1 will finish its season in the Middle East, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed. He made the declaration with force, leaving no room for doubt about the calendar's conclusion.
The statement comes as the sport navigates scheduling challenges that have forced adjustments throughout the year. Teams and drivers have dealt with relocated races and compressed calendars before, but Ben Sulayem's firmness here signals the FIA sees no alternative for wrapping up the championship.
Middle Eastern venues have become F1 fixtures in recent seasons. Abu Dhabi traditionally closes the year, though Bahrain and Saudi Arabia also host races. The FIA's insistence suggests whatever logistical headaches exist elsewhere on the calendar, those final rounds will happen as planned.
This matters because calendar stability matters to teams planning resources, to broadcasters locking in schedules, and to fans buying tickets. Ben Sulayem's public commitment removes speculation that's been circulating about whether the season might end early or relocate entirely.
The championship will run its course. That's the message.