Image: Formula 1
Formula One’s governing body said it was closely monitoring the security situation in the Middle East and weighing how to proceed with upcoming races in the region.
The FIA, which oversees the Formula One world championship and the World Endurance Championship, plans to hold events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia next month. Tensions between the two countries have increased recently due to military actions by Iran, the United States and Israel.
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FIA president Mohammed bin Sulayem said the organization was in contact with local authorities, event organizers, teams and its member clubs to assess the situation.
What would happen if war forced Formula 1 to cancel Middle East races, Pictures Formula 1
Image: Formula 1
“Safety and well-being will guide our decisions,” Bin Sulayem wrote in a statement posted on social media, adding that the FIA was carefully evaluating plans for the Formula One and World Endurance Championships, which kick off in Qatar later this month.
Bin Sulayem from the United Arab Emirates also expressed his condolences to those affected by the recent violence and said the FIA hoped stability would return to the region.
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The Formula One calendar currently lists the Bahrain Grand Prix on April 12, followed by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix a week later. Ahead of these races, teams are preparing for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, followed by races in China and Japan.
What would happen if war forced Formula 1 to cancel Middle East races, Pictures Formula 1
Image: Formula 1
Currently, no changes have been announced to the F1 calendar. The FIA’s position is that decisions will be made based on the circumstances on the ground, with safety considerations taking precedence over logistical or commercial factors. If a change is required, European venues are considered the most practical option due to the logistical challenges of moving teams and freight over long distances at short notice.
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Italy’s Imola circuit is one of the possible alternative circuits that has been mentioned. The circuit most recently hosted a Formula 1 race in 2025 and remains fully homologated, making it one of the easier venues to reopen at short notice. Discussions are also taking place internally at Portugal’s Algarve International Circuit. The circuit hosted Formula 1 races during the coronavirus-affected 2020 and 2021 seasons and proved it could host the championship in a relatively limited preparation time.
The World Endurance Championship didn’t have the same luck. WEC organizers confirmed that both the pre-season opening test and the 1812km race in Qatar have been postponed due to the deteriorating security situation in the Gulf region. Recent military activity and retaliatory attacks have disrupted travel in several countries, affecting major aviation hubs that international racing teams rely on for the movement of cargo and people.
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