MELBOURNE - Formula One faces significant uncertainty regarding its upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as conflict escalates in the Middle East. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff stated that the championship has become a "second priority" given the volatile geopolitical situation.
Attacks in the region have led to airport closures, impacting travel and raising questions about the feasibility of the April Grands Prix. While Formula One is monitoring the situation, Wolff expressed doubt about the realism of holding the races as scheduled.
Wolff deferred the decision-making to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and the FIA, emphasizing the need to respect the challenges faced by Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. He expressed hope for a resolution that would allow the races to proceed.
Other motorsport series are also feeling the impact. MotoGP's Qatar Grand Prix is in doubt, and the World Endurance Championship has already canceled its season-opening race in Qatar.