F1 'closely monitoring' situation in Middle East

Field Level Media|published: Sat 28th February, 13:07 2026

Formula One: Formula One Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix

Nov 21, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (1) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Formula 1 officials are "closely monitoring" the situation in the Middle East ahead of April's races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Retaliatory missile strikes rocked the region Saturday after the United States and Israeli launched an attack on Iran.

The F1 season begins in Australia next weekend, then goes to China and Japan before heading to the Middle East for races in Bahrain (April 12) and Saudi Arabia (April 19).

"Our next three races are in Australia, China and Japan and not in the Middle East -- those races are not for a number of weeks," an F1 spokesperson said Saturday, per The Associated Press. "As always, we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities."

Tire manufacturer Pirelli on Saturday announced the cancellation of its scheduled F1 tire testing in Bahrain.

--Field Level Media

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