FIA issues statement on F1 race planning in wake of Iran conflict

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says “safety and wellbeing” will determine decisions on running Formula 1 races in the Middle East amid the current Iran conflict.

In recent days, the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran, leading to destabilisation in the region as Iran carried out its own strikes on various regional neighbours in retaliation.

The current conflict has led to travel chaos in the Middle East, with airports across the region shut down and airspace closed.

This has impacted paddock personnel travelling to Australia for the 2026 F1 season-opener, while those trying to get back from Thailand’s MotoGP round are facing disruption.

Earlier on Monday, organisers at the Australian Grand Prix noted that the F1 freight is in Melbourne and that all relevant paddock personnel will arrive by charter flights.

F1 noted on Sunday that it was closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East, with races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia taking place in mid-April.

FIA president speaks on Middle East crisis for the first time

The FIA World Endurance Championship is also facing calendar uncertainty, with its Prologue event and the opening round of its 2026 season set to take place in Qatar this month.

All sporting events in Qatar have currently been suspended until further notice, amid strikes in the country.

The governing body’s president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has issued his first statement on the matter, offering his sympathies to those in the region and noting that the FIA is monitoring events.

“As president of the FIA, my thoughts are with those affected by the recent events in the Middle East,” he wrote.

“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 and a swift return to stability. Dialogue and the protection of civilians must remain priorities.

“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 for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

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