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Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, has declared “safety and wellbeing” its top priority when considering upcoming races in the Middle East, amid escalating regional conflict.
Both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, scheduled to host F1 Grands Prix next month, have recently been hit by attacks.
This instability follows joint strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel. The FIA’s concerns also extend to the World Endurance Championship, a leading sportscar series set to open its season in Qatar at the end of March.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, from Dubai, posted on Instagram on Monday: “We are in close contact with our member clubs, championship promoters, teams and colleagues on the ground as we monitor developments carefully and responsibly.”
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USA and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday before Iran retaliated (AP)
He continued: “Safety and wellbeing will guide our decisions as we assess the forthcoming events scheduled there for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the FIA Formula One World Championship. Our organization is built on unity and shared purpose. That unity matters now more than ever.”
Ben Sulayem also stated the FIA is “deeply saddened by the loss of life and stand with the families and communities impacted”, hoping for “calm, safety and a swift return to stability.”
F1 teams are currently heading to Melbourne for this week’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix, having completed pre-season testing in Bahrain last month.
Britain’s Lando Norris will begin the defence of his title he won in thrilling fashion in a final race showdown with Max Verstappen last year, although Ferrari and Mercedes have both impressed in pre-season testing.
Races in China and Japan are scheduled for later this month, before F1 head over to the Middle East next month.
The Bahrain Grand Prix is currently due to take place on 12 April with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix pencilled in on the F1 calendar for the following week.
