F1 teams want swift clarity on Grands Prix in the Middle East

The war in the Middle East is also affecting Formula 1. Earlier, a Pirelli test in Bahrain was called off at the last minute, and many had to rebook their flights to Australia due to the closed airspace over the Middle East.

The Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are scheduled for April 12 and 19. Two countries that have also been targeted by attacks from Iran. Iran was first attacked by the United States, after which it began striking several neighboring countries in retaliation.

As GPblog previously reported first, the Formula 1 teams are sitting down in Australia with the FIA and F1 to discuss the races in the Middle East. Zak Brown told GPblog that this meeting will take place on Saturday.

“There's been very little communication about it. yet because of the effort that it took just to get here to Australia. For the sport, fans, partners, and the race teams themselves, it’s of the utmost importance that safety comes first. We’ll see how it develops and then make the right decision for the health of everyone involved in this sport.”

Asked whether possibly canceling the two races would have a financial impact, Brown said: “Probably. It all kind of depends. Do the races get replaced? Do they get delayed? And the economics around that. But I think given what's going on, that's the least, you know, we're not bothered. If it does have a little bit of a financial impact, that's, you know, so be it with what's going on.”

There’s still over a month to go before the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are supposed to be held, but a race weekend also comes with a major logistical operation. The organizers, teams, media, and fans must also be able to travel (safely) to the country and arrange that in time.

GPblog therefore asked Zak Brown what the deadline is for teams to be able to arrange everything on time. “I think a couple of weeks from a logistical standpoint,” said the American CEO of McLaren.