BREAKING: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem release statement concerning races in the middle East… Read more
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem ‘Assessing’ Middle East F1 Races After Iran Missile Attacks
By Hugo Harvey
2 March 2026
Mohammed Ben Sulayem has confirmed he is “assessing” upcoming Middle East motorsport events following escalating tensions in the region after Iranian missile attacks.
The latest developments come after the United States and Israel launched a bombing campaign in Iran over the weekend, with Iran retaliating by targeting several US military bases in neighbouring countries. Among the nations affected was Bahrain a key venue on the Formula 1 calendar and host of pre-season and in-season testing activities in recent years.
Last weekend, official tyre supplier Pirelli had been scheduled to conduct a two-day development test at the Bahrain International Circuit, focusing on wet-weather compounds. However, those plans were abruptly cancelled as the security situation evolved.
In a statement, Pirelli confirmed: “The two days of development tests for wet-weather compounds, scheduled for today and tomorrow at the Bahrain International Circuit, have been cancelled for security reasons following the evolving international situation.”
The company also reassured that all personnel currently in Manama are safe and remain in their hotels while arrangements are being made for their return to Italy and the United Kingdom as soon as possible.
Formula 1 moved quickly to calm concerns that the escalating geopolitical crisis might have an immediate impact on the championship calendar. A spokesperson emphasised that the next three races in Australia, China, and Japan are not in the Middle East and are still several weeks away.
“Our next three races are in Australia, China and Japan not in the Middle East – those races are not for a number of weeks,” the statement read. “As always we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities.”
Despite that reassurance, attention has inevitably turned to the Middle Eastern leg of the season, particularly the Bahrain Grand Prix scheduled for April 12 and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix set to follow on April 19.
In a statement provided to F1Report, Ben Sulayem addressed the situation directly and struck a solemn tone.
“As President of the FIA, my thoughts are with all those affected by the recent events in the Middle East,” he said. “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.”
The FIA president also confirmed that motorsport’s governing body is in constant communication with stakeholders on the ground.
“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 continued. “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.”
The reference to both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the Formula One World Championship highlights the wider implications beyond F1 alone. The Middle East has become a cornerstone of the modern motorsport calendar, hosting multiple high-profile races across different disciplines. Any disruption would have logistical, commercial, and sporting consequences.
This is not the first time Formula 1 has faced security-related challenges in the region. In previous seasons, teams and officials have had to evaluate risks carefully before proceeding with race weekends. On each occasion, decisions have ultimately centred on the safety of drivers, team personnel, media, and fans.
For now, no changes have been made to the calendar. However, the cancellation of Pirelli’s test underlines how quickly plans can shift when international tensions escalate. With freight logistics, team travel, and infrastructure planning requiring weeks of coordination, clarity will be essential in the coming days.
Ben Sulayem’s comments suggest that while there is no immediate decision to postpone or cancel events, contingency planning is underway. The governing body’s emphasis on monitoring developments “carefully and responsibly” signals a measured approach rather than a reactive one.
As the championship prepares to head first to Australia and then Asia, the spotlight will remain firmly on developments in the Middle East. Whether the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix proceed as planned may ultimately depend on how swiftly stability returns to the region.
For now, Formula 1 continues to watch, assess, and prepare with safety as its guiding principle.
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