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Monday, Mar 09, 2026

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F1 Leadership Addresses Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Races as Middle East Conflict Raises Safety Concerns

Formula One authorities say upcoming Grands Prix remain under review while officials closely monitor security conditions in the region
Formula One leaders have said the sport is closely monitoring the security situation in the Middle East ahead of scheduled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, as regional tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran continue to create uncertainty around the championship calendar.

The Bahrain Grand Prix is currently scheduled for April twelve, followed one week later by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in the coastal city of Jeddah.

Both events remain on the official Formula One calendar, but governing bodies have acknowledged that developments in the region are being assessed carefully.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, the governing authority for global motorsport, said the organization’s primary focus is the safety and wellbeing of drivers, teams, staff and spectators.

Officials are maintaining regular communication with race promoters, national authorities and teams as they evaluate the evolving conditions.

The review follows missile and drone attacks across parts of the Middle East after military operations by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets triggered a wider confrontation.

Several Gulf countries, including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, have strengthened security measures as governments respond to the threat of further strikes.

Formula One executives say it is still too early to determine whether the races will proceed as planned, noting that the events remain several weeks away.

The championship will first travel through Asia, with races scheduled in China and Japan before teams are expected to head to the Gulf region.

Behind the scenes, officials are examining contingency plans in case the situation deteriorates.

Potential options discussed within the sport include adjusting the race calendar, relocating events or shortening the season if necessary.

The uncertainty has already affected related motorsport activities in the region.

A scheduled Formula One tyre test in Bahrain was cancelled amid security concerns, while some travel routes used by teams and equipment have been disrupted by temporary airspace closures.

Despite the challenges, Formula One leadership has emphasised that no final decision has been made and that the championship remains committed to working with host nations to determine the safest path forward.

With several weeks remaining before the scheduled races, officials say they will continue monitoring developments closely while preparing for multiple scenarios to ensure the protection of all participants and fans.
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