FIA president issues plea to Donald Trump amid fears over start of 2026 F1 season

There are fears that the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season could be disrupted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with the first Grand Prix due to take place on Sunday

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Mohammed Ben Sulayem has issued a statement(Image: Qian Jun/MB Media/Getty Images)

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has released a statement calling for ‘dialogue’ as fears linger over the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Cars are due to be on track this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix, but the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has threatened to disrupt the season opener.

A host of countries in the region have been affected, including Bahrain, where all 22 drivers were testing last week. Both the Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian edition are scheduled to take place next month.

On Sunday, US President Donald Trump said that talks with Iran’s political leadership will take place after US-Irsaeli strikes resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It’s understood that F1 chiefs remain calm over the situation, but Ben Sulayem has now released a lengthy statement, urging world leaders such as Trump to prioritise ‘dialogue’.

It read: “As President of the FIA, my thoughts are with all those affected by the recent events in the Middle East. We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and stand with the families and communities impacted.

“At this moment of uncertainty, we hope for calm, safety, and a swift return to stability. Dialogue and the protection of civilians must remain priorities.

“We are in close contact with our Member Clubs, championship promoters, teams, and colleagues on the ground as we monitor developments carefully and responsibly. Safety and wellbeing will guide our decisions as we assess the forthcoming events scheduled there for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the FIA Formula One World Championship.

“Our organisation is built on unity and shared purpose. That unity matters now more than ever.”

F1 have already cancelled two days of development tests at the Bahrain International Circuit. Wet-weather compound tyres were due to be tested, but Pirelli say that boh days were ‘cancelled for security reasons following the evolving international situation’.

“All Pirelli personnel currently in Manama are safe in their hotels,” the manufacturer said. “The company is working to ensure their safety and arrange their return to Italy and the UK as soon as possible.”

A spokesperson for F1 added: “Our next three races are in Australia, China and Japan, not in the Middle East – those races are not for a number of weeks. As always, we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities.”

Australian Grand Prix chief executive Travis Auld also told Channel Nine: “Everyone will be here ready for the race and fans won’t notice any difference. We’re in a space where we’re really confident there will be no impact.”

Sunday’s race is due to begin at 4am UK time. The Grand Prix takes place at Albert Park, Melbourne.