Formula 1: Middle East conflict gives drivers anxious wait over Bahrain, Saudi Arabia grands prix

By Alex Powell in Melbourne

George Russell, of Mercedes, says Formula One drivers have faith in the organisation’s leaders to make the right decisions about upcoming races scheduled in the region.

“Ultimately, we trust in F1 and the FIA to make the best decision and the right decision,” Russell said ahead of this weekend’s opening race, the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

After combined strikes by the US and Israel against Iran at the end of last month, the region has been plunged into conflict.

And in the week since, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq have also been dragged into fighting, with no signs of resolution.

While sport is far from the front of mind for the countries involved, the conflict is a major disruption for Formula One.

The Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled as the fifth race of the season on April 13. Saudi Arabia is a week later on April 20.

It has been mooted that Saudi Arabia could be far enough away from any fighting to host back-to-back grands prix over those two weeks, but no decisions have been made by the sport’s governing body, the FIA.

But speaking to media at Mercedes’ season launch, Russell outlined that any official decisions are out of teams’ hands.

“It’s obviously a very evolving situation,” said Russell. “But we’re still a good couple of weeks away from that.

“With regards to the race [Bahrain] itself, it’s not something I’m focused on.”

Formula One has already experienced disruption from the conflict.

A wet-tyre test between Mercedes and McLaren that was scheduled for last weekend was cancelled, and several teams’ travel plans have been heavily affected by travel disruptions in and out of the Middle East.

Red Bull will be operating with reduced numbers in Melbourne, with several crew members unable to travel, while new driver Isack Hadjar only arrived in Australia on Wednesday, after his flights were diverted.

Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.