- Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, has declared "safety and wellbeing" its top priority for upcoming Middle East races amid escalating regional conflict.
- FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem issued a statement confirming close contact with stakeholders and careful monitoring of developments.
- The concerns specifically relate to the F1 Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, scheduled for next month, and the World Endurance Championship in Qatar at the end of March.
- The instability in the region follows recent joint strikes on Iran by the US and Israel.
- Ben Sulayem emphasised that safety and wellbeing will guide decisions regarding these events, expressing sadness for loss of life and hoping for stability.
IN FULL
F1 chief speaks out on upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia amid Middle East crisis