The upcoming rounds of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and MotoGP, both scheduled to take place in Qatar between late March and early April, are now under serious threat as geopolitical tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East. The FIA is closely monitoring developments as uncertainty grows around the region’s stability.
USA-Iran conflict impacts global motorsport
The conflict in the Middle East, triggered by attacks carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran, has had consequences beyond the political and military sphere, extending into international sport. Iranian retaliatory actions against other countries have intensified the situation, causing a regional escalation that now threatens the stability of the entire area.
Among the nations directly affected is Qatar. Following missile launches directed toward Doha, Qatari authorities suspended all football activities as a precautionary measure. It is widely expected that this decision could also extend to motorsport events, especially with several high-profile races scheduled at the start of the spring season.
At the Lusail International Circuit, the WEC season is set to begin with the Prologue on 22–23 March, followed by the 1812 km race on 28 March. Shortly afterward, the MotoGP paddock is due to arrive for its race weekend from 10–12 April. With security concerns mounting, the future of these events remains uncertain.
Safety and logistics concerns for Formula 1 and beyond
The primary issue, of course, is the safety of drivers, riders, spectators, and all team and federation personnel. However, logistics represent another major obstacle. Transporting equipment to the Arabian Peninsula is becoming increasingly difficult, as many Middle Eastern countries have closed their airspace. Even the journey to Australia earlier in the season forced several Formula 1 teams to reorganize and reschedule flights due to restrictions and disrupted routes.
The implications could therefore extend beyond WEC and MotoGP. The Formula 1 calendar remains heavily linked to the region. After the opening rounds in Melbourne, China, and Suzuka, the championship is scheduled to head to Sakhir in Bahrain from 10–12 April, followed by Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from 17–19 April.
Recent developments have already led to the cancellation of Pirelli’s F1 tire tests in Bahrain, highlighting the growing disruption to motorsport activities in the region.
FIA statement: safety comes first
For now, the FIA, through its president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has expressed sorrow over the escalating geopolitical tensions and voiced hope for a swift return to stability. The Emirati official emphasized that “safety and well-being will guide our decisions when evaluating the upcoming events scheduled for the WEC and Formula 1.”
His words underline the governing body’s cautious approach as teams, organizers, and fans await clarity. With multiple major international motorsport events planned in Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether racing can proceed or whether further postponements and cancellations will reshape the early part of the 2026 motorsport calendar.