‘Safety and wellbeing' will guide decisions on F1, WEC Middle Eastern rounds

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says the governing body is assessing the upcoming Middle Eastern motorsport events – including Formula 1 – and that any decisions will be guided by assessments around “safety and wellbeing”.

Targeted attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran have been met with retaliation from Iran, which has extended to attacks on U.s. allies in the region. Both military and civilian installations – including the international airports in Bahrain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi – have been struck since the conflict started on Saturday, leading to logistical challenges for F1 as it heads to Melbourne for its season-opener.

Qatar has also been targeted by Iran, and with the World Endurance Championship scheduled to hold its prologue and first race at Lusail later this month, followed by F1’s rounds in Bahrain (April 12) and Saudi Arabia (April 19), Ben Sulayem says the situation is being assessed.

“As President of the FIA, my thoughts are with all those affected by the recent events in the Middle East,” Ben Sulayem wrote in a statement. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and stand with the families and communities impacted.


“At this moment of uncertainty, we hope for calm, safety, and a swift return to stability. Dialogue and the protection of civilians must remain priorities.

“We are in close contact with our Member Clubs, championship promoters, teams, and colleagues on the ground as we monitor developments carefully and responsibly.

“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.”

Over the weekend, U.S. President Donald Trump told The New York Times that operations could be maintained at a similar tempo for four to five weeks.