The war in the Middle East threatens to have consequences for F1. Earlier, there were already questions regarding the supply of equipment for the opening race in Australia. Meanwhile, there is also uncertainty about the planned Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, countries affected by the violence of war. George Russell and Carlos Sainz, chairmen of the drivers’ union, express their confidence that FOM and the FIA will make the right choices with a view to safety.
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During the media day in Melbourne, Russell and Sainz were asked about the rising tensions surrounding the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Both Grands Prix are on the calendar for April, but given the current situation, it is uncertain whether they can go ahead. “Ultimately, we trust that Formula 1 and the FIA will make the right decision,” said Russell. “The situation can change daily, that is clear. Moreover, it will be another four or five weeks before we race there, so at the moment no one is really pushing for concrete answers.”
Russell emphasized that the drivers have little influence on any adjustments to the calendar. “That is not up to us,” he added. “We trust that the Formula 1 leadership will make the right choices. I am sure there is a plan B ready. For now, we as drivers are staying out of it. We can assume that they are on top of it.”
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‘Speculating makes no sense’
Carlos Sainz, like Russell a chairman within the GPDA, also expressed his confidence in FOM and the FIA. “In my opinion, Formula 1 and the FIA are much better informed about what is happening in the Middle East than we could ever be,” he stated. “They have the right contacts, both in the region and worldwide. Ultimately, we depend on the decisions of the management, but I am confident that they will be taken in a timely and careful manner. Because those races are still several weeks away, there is little point in speculating extensively about them now.”
Formula 1 previously stated that it is ‘closely monitoring’ the situation in the Middle East. The FIA later published a similar statement via social media. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized that the safety of everyone involved is a priority and that the organization is in close contact with member clubs, organizers, teams, and representatives on the ground. Nothing has been reported yet regarding the specific Grands Prix in the Middle East.
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