FIA: ‘Safety and wellbeing’ will guide decisions on Middle East races

As military tensions escalate across the Middle East following a United States-Israel strike on Iran, the FIA has confirmed it is keeping a vigilant eye on upcoming motorsport events in the region.

With Formula 1, MotoGP, and the World Endurance Championship (WEC) all scheduled to visit Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks, the governing body is emphasizing caution above all else.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has underlined that any decisions regarding the continuation of these events will hinge on the safety of competitors, teams, and staff.

“We are in close contact with our Member Clubs, championship promoters, teams, and colleagues on the ground as we monitor developments carefully and responsibly," he said in a statement released on Monday.

“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 organisation is built on unity and shared purpose. That unity matters now more than ever.”

Immediate Impacts and Precautionary Measures

Although the Australian Grand Prix, set to open the F1 season this week, appears unaffected, disruptions have already been felt as personnel traveling through Qatar or the United Arab Emirates have had to alter their routes at short notice.

Contingency plans for delayed freight and staff are understood to be in place, but the full extent remains unclear.

Looking ahead, the situation is more acute for events within the Middle East itself. Qatar will host pre-season WEC testing and its opening round at the end of March, while MotoGP returns to Lusail on April 12.

F1 follows with its Bahrain Grand Prix, which has already seen a Pirelli tyre test cancelled last weekend, before heading to Saudi Arabia mid-April. These tightly scheduled events mean the FIA is exercising close oversight without making immediate calls, allowing time to monitor developments as they unfold.

Dialogue and Protection of Civilians Remain Central

Ben Sulayem stressed that the FIA’s approach goes beyond logistical concerns, framing the response around broader humanitarian and safety priorities.

He emphasised: “Dialogue and the protection of civilians must remain priorities.”

• Read also: F1 monitoring Middle East conflict - Bahrain tyre test cancelled

The governing body continues to liaise with local authorities, championship organisers, and teams to ensure that any decision taken reflects both caution and responsibility.

With motorsport’s Middle Eastern calendar just weeks away, the FIA’s message is clear: safety and wellbeing are non-negotiable, and any decision on whether events proceed will be guided by careful, measured assessment of on-the-ground realities.

This cautious stance underscores the unpredictability facing motorsport in the region and the challenges that global championships may encounter if hostilities escalate further.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook