FIA Monitors Middle East Tensions as F1 and WEC Events Face Disruptions
Summary
Following a US‑Israel strike that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Iran’s retaliation has sparked Gulf attacks. The FIA has cancelled Bahrain testing, reshuffled F1 travel and is reviewing WEC events.
FIA is closely monitoring the escalating Middle East crisis after a US‑Israel strike killed Iran’s supreme leader. The fallout has already forced the cancellation of a Bahrain wet‑weather test and disrupted travel for the F1 paddock en route to the Australian Grand Prix.
Why it matters:
- Safety of personnel, drivers and fans is paramount.
- Any incident could jeopardise the start of the season and the upcoming WEC races in Qatar and Bahrain.
The details:
- On 28 Feb the US and Israel struck Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
- Iran hit US bases across the Gulf (Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE), raising regional security concerns.
- Pirelli cancelled Bahrain wet‑weather testing; staff in Manama remain safe.
- F1 travel hit: Dubai and Doha airports closed, flights reshuffled. Australian GP chief says race will go ahead. FIA monitors the situation; WEC’s Qatar events stay on calendar but are under review.
What’s next:
- FIA will keep daily risk assessments; any escalation could trigger postponements or travel bans.
- Upcoming races: Melbourne GP Mar 2‑4, then China & Japan; WEC Prologue Mar 22‑23 and Qatar 1812 km Mar 26‑28 stay on schedule but may change. President Ben Sulayem urges calm.
Original Article :https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/iran-united-states-war-impact-f1-wec/10801549...