FIA will prioritize safety & wellbeing to decide if Formula 1 races in Middle East amid conflict

F1 is scheduled to race next month in Sakhir, Bahrain and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as both countries have been hit by attacks in recent days following joint strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel.

The FIA statement also mentioned the World Endurance Championship, a leading sportscar series that opens its season in Qatar at the end of this month.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem posted on Instagram on Monday in which he said: “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," the 64-year-old maintained.

Ben Sulayem, who is from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, said “we are deeply saddened by the loss of life and stand with the families and communities impacted,” adding that the FIA hopes for “calm, safety and a swift return to stability.”

Following preseason testing in Bahrain last month, F1 teams and staff are heading to Melbourne for this week’s season-opening 2026 Australian Grand Prix, despite disruptions to travel caused by the latest conflict in the Middle East.

F1 will head to China and Japan later this month before returning to the regin for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, which is scheduled for April 12, and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix one week later. (Associated Press)