Mohammed Ben Sulayem Breaks Silence on Start of F1 Season Amid Ongoing Middle East Bombings

Chaos has gripped the Formula 1 calendar with the new season set to get underway this weekend in Australia at the Melbourne Grand Prix.

The current situation in the Middle East, however, in the wake of the United States and Israel’s war in Iran, means that travel worldwide has been affected following the latter’s retaliatory strikes against its neighbouring countries.

Iran’s attacks on locations such as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar place fresh fears that the highly-anticipated Grand Prix racing in each country will be plunged into doubt by whether it is safe to proceed with the events. FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem has stated that “safety and wellbeing” will guide the governing bodies’ decision on the races going ahead.

Middle East F1 Races in Jeopardy

The Bahrain Grand Prix is due to take place over the weekend of April the 10th-12th, with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix being hosted a week later. The escalating tensions between the United States and Israel against Iran could go on for longer than first feared, however, as United States president Donald Trump said on Monday that the conflict could continue beyond the predicted duration of one month.

Fortunately for the teams competing in Melbourne this weekend, the freight carrying the cars and equipment has made it to Australia safely. The problem now facing each team is flying personnel over to the host venue as travel is currently facing mass disruption across the Middle East as Dubai airport, a hub for Asia and Australia, faces flights being grounded in the wake of missile and drone attacks.

Statements Made About Start of 2026 F1 Season

Australian Formula One chief Travis Auld remained upbeat and optimistic about the race going ahead by releasing a statement on Monday: “Everyone will be here for the race,” Auld said in an attempt to calm fears of a postponement: “We’re in a space where we’re really confident there will be no impact.”

Ben Sulayem, meanwhile, will be taking no unnecessary risks with the end of the conflict proving unpredictable at this stage. The FIA chief reiterated: “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.

Britain’s Lando Norris will be looking to mount his defence of the Drivers’ Championship as the McLaren man gets back behind the wheel ahead of another thrilling campaign. The race will also see the introduction of a brand-new team to the Formula 1 scene as Cadillac make their debut.

The season will continue in China and Japan before heading to the Middle East in early April. The governing bodies will be hoping for a swift return to normality by the time the flag drops for the World Endurance Championship, which will kick off the Middle East racing extravaganza in Qatar at the end of March.