Melbourne: The head of world motorsport’s governing body said Monday that the “safety and well-being” of participants will dictate whether upcoming races in the Middle East proceed, as the regional conflict continues to disrupt the global Formula One calendar.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem issued the statement as the sport prepares for its season-opening Australian Grand Prix amid significant logistical hurdles. While the race in Melbourne is not considered at risk, the subsequent schedule, specifically events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia next month, faces mounting uncertainty.

The instability follows a weekend of joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. In retaliation, Tehran and its regional allies have launched missiles and drones at various targets, including U.S. bases and urban centres in Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. President Donald Trump warned Monday that the American military offensive could persist "far longer" than his initial one-month projection.

FIA Prioritises Stability

In his first public comments on the crisis, Ben Sulayem emphasised that the Federation is taking a cautious, humanitarian-first approach to its world championships.

“At this moment of uncertainty, we hope for calm and a swift return to stability. Dialogue and the protection of civilians must remain priorities,” Ben Sulayem said late Monday. “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 noted that the FIA is currently evaluating the feasibility of the Formula 1 World Championship and the World Endurance Championship (WEC), the latter of which is scheduled to begin its season in Qatar in late March. “Safety and well-being will guide our decisions,” he added.

Travel Chaos on the Road to Melbourne

While the Formula One cars and freight arrived safely in Australia prior to the escalation, the closure of key Middle Eastern hubs has stranded hundreds of team personnel.

  • Transit Hubs Closed: The shutdown of major airports in Dubai and Doha, vital corridors for flights from Europe to Australia, has forced approximately 1,000 engineers, mechanics, and staff to scramble for alternative routes.
  • Chartered Solutions: Formula One officials have reportedly begun chartering private aircraft to bypass the conflict zone and ensure teams are at full strength for Friday’s practice sessions.
  • Australian Confidence: Despite the logistical nightmare, Australian Grand Prix chief Travis Auld remained optimistic. “We're in a space where we're really confident there will be no impact,” Auld said Monday, adding that he expects “everyone will be here ready for the race.”

A Landmark Season Opener

The turmoil in the Middle East provides a sombre backdrop to what is expected to be a historic weekend at Albert Park. Defending world champion Lando Norris is set to begin his title defence for McLaren, but much of the paddock’s attention is fixed on the debut of Cadillac.

The new American outfit will make its first-ever race start this Sunday, sporting an experienced driver lineup featuring veterans Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. While the upcoming races in China and Japan are expected to proceed as planned, the fate of the April 10–12 Bahrain Grand Prix and the subsequent round in Saudi Arabia remains under daily review.

With inputs from AFP