News Summary
- Hotels used by Formula 1 and MotoGP teams in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates reportedly appear on a list of potential Iranian retaliation targets, according to GPblog.
- The list, attributed to Iran’s Fars news agency, describes possible targets in the event of further US and Israeli attacks, rather than announcing an imminent strike.
- MotoGP and Formula 1 are maintaining their Middle Eastern race schedules, despite Yamaha’s withdrawal from Qatar and growing concerns about the safety of personnel.
Hotels used by Formula 1 and MotoGP teams during race weekends in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have reportedly appeared on a list of potential targets circulated by Iran’s Fars news agency, raising fresh security concerns ahead of three major motorsport events in the Middle East. According to GPblog on Tuesday (November 3), the locations were included in a document outlining possible retaliation if the United States and Israel launch further military attacks against Iran.
The reported list, titled Zero Hour, contains numerous locations across the region. Its publication comes just days before the Qatar MotoGP Grand Prix, scheduled for November 6–8, while Formula 1 is preparing to visit Qatar and Abu Dhabi later in the month.
Hotels used by F1 and MotoGP teams reportedly appear on Iranian list
According to GPblog, the Iranian agency circulated a document identifying locations that could become targets in a hypothetical military retaliation.
The report says the list includes hotels in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates that have been used by Formula 1 and MotoGP personnel during race weekends.
The development raises questions about the security arrangements surrounding the championships, particularly because protecting a Grand Prix involves considerably more than securing the circuit itself.
Drivers, riders, mechanics, engineers, officials, broadcasters and journalists depend on accommodation, transport infrastructure and international flights throughout a race weekend.
Any significant deterioration in regional security could therefore affect the ability of teams and personnel to travel safely, even if the circuits remain operational.
However, the reported inclusion of accommodation facilities on a potential-target list does not establish that those facilities face an immediate threat.
The document’s authenticity, current operational significance and the intentions of Iranian authorities require further independent verification.
Yamaha has already withdrawn from Qatar MotoGP
The reported development adds to an existing dispute surrounding this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix.
Yamaha announced that neither its factory team nor Pramac would participate at Lusail because company-wide travel restrictions remain in effect amid the regional security situation.
MotoGP subsequently reaffirmed its intention to stage the race, saying it had consulted Qatari authorities, the circuit, embassies and independent security advisers.
However, those assurances have not eliminated concerns among riders.
Jack Miller previously revealed that 19 riders supported a letter questioning the decision to race in Qatar and demanding greater accountability over safety arrangements.
The situation has also become complicated by injuries and medical uncertainty, potentially leaving an unusually small starting grid.
Formula 1 faces renewed questions over Qatar and Abu Dhabi
Formula 1 is scheduled to race in Qatar on November 27–29 before concluding its season in Abu Dhabi on December 4–6.
Both events remain on the official calendar.
According to a separate report carried by Reuters on Tuesday, Formula 1 informed teams that the races would proceed as planned, citing continuing communication with authorities and security assurances based on current conditions.
Nevertheless, concerns have persisted within the paddock.
GPblog previously reported that Formula One Management intended to reassess the situation following the US midterm elections on November 3.
The new report concerning potential targets adds another consideration to those discussions, although no official change to the calendar has been announced.
The championship also has contingency arrangements under consideration should conditions deteriorate sufficiently to prevent the Middle Eastern events from taking place.
Verstappen questions whether safety guarantees will remain valid
Max Verstappen has already expressed reservations about committing to travel to the region without knowing how the situation will develop.
Speaking during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend, the Red Bull driver explained that his willingness to participate would depend on the assurances provided and developments over the following weeks.
He stressed that guarantees considered sufficient at one moment might need to be reconsidered if circumstances changed.
His concerns reflect the uncertainty facing teams that must make travel and logistical arrangements well before the scheduled race weekends.
The same questions have become increasingly urgent in MotoGP, where Yamaha’s withdrawal has demonstrated that manufacturers may reach different conclusions from the championship organisers when assessing security risks.
MotoGP and F1 maintain calendars as security scrutiny intensifies
For now, the Qatar MotoGP Grand Prix and Formula 1’s planned races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain scheduled.
The championships have not announced cancellations in response to the reported list.
The immediate issue is whether the security assessments supporting those decisions remain adequate as new information emerges.
The distinction between a reported contingency list and a verified, imminent threat is crucial. Any decision concerning the races must be based on updated assessments from the responsible authorities and organisers, rather than treating unverified claims as evidence that an attack will occur.
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following preparations for the São Paulo Grand Prix and the Qatar MotoGP weekend, with breaking news, full coverage and real-time updates in its Formula 1 section and MotoGP section.
