FIA outline stance on cancelling Saudi and Bahrain F1 races amid Middle East attacks
There are growing concerns about F1's Middle East races amid ongoing regional tensions.
Marcus Chan
Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, have outlined their position on upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia amid ongoing conflict in the region.
The 2026 F1 season will begin this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix, taking place around Albert Park in Melbourne.
After Australia, the calendar moves across to Asia, with races in China and Japan.
In April, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will each host a Grand Prix.
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However, safety concerns in the Middle East have been raised after the recent military attacks.
Over the weekend, President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, announced that “major combat operations in Iran” had commenced.
In response, several US military bases in Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan and Bahrain were targeted in retaliation strikes.
As a result, the possibility of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia having to be cancelled has become a major topic of discussion.
The Bahrain Grand Prix is set to take place on April 17, with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix happening a week later.
On Saturday, Formula One Management stated that they are keeping close attention on the situation.
A statement read: "Our next three races are in Australia, China, and Japan, not in the Middle East – those races are not for a number of weeks.
"As always, we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities."
As reported by Planet F1, the President of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has now confirmed that 'safety and well-being' will dictate the governing body's decision-making in the next few weeks.
He said: "As President of the FIA, my thoughts are with all those affected by the recent events in the Middle East. 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."
Ben Sulayem continued: "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 well-being 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."
Sky Sports F1 reporter Craig Slater has stated that F1 could look to postpone the races and reschedule for a later date.
He said: "While they will liaise with the governments in those territories, they have shown that they can be adaptable and fluid with the calendar in the past.
"It's a big calendar just by looking at it, not easy to think where you slot those races back in. There is a bit of a three-week gap in May, and there is the August summer break, but that's very hot in the Middle East to be adding a race there.
"Potentially around Singapore, might it be possible if they can't run a Bahrain or Saudi Arabia, they can slot it back in there. The problem is, you have got clusters of two races and three together, I don't think Formula 1 would be keen to have four weekends in a row of action because it's just a logistical headache."