Yamaha and its satellite team Pramac have announced a boycott of the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix, prompting MotoGP to warn of contractual and sporting sanctions. The move highlights growing unease among riders about traveling to the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict, though the championship insists the Lusail International Circuit event will proceed as scheduled on 6‑8 November. Deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta traveled to Qatar to secure safety guarantees from local authorities.
Formula 1, which also falls under the Liberty Media umbrella, plans to race in Qatar three weeks later, on 27‑29 November, and has confirmed its schedule remains unchanged. In a message to teams during the Mexican Grand Prix, F1 reiterated its intention to finish the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, noting that travel advice and insurance have not changed since May. The series has a contingency plan involving Imola, where preparations have already begun, and will cover any costs if the alternative is not used.
The situation has led F1 to request that drivers and teams refrain from public criticism, trusting the FIA and F1 to manage the security situation. Red Bull principal Laurent Mekies stated that it is the responsibility of the FIA and F1 to provide direction based on full information.
Source: Autosport F1 News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing