13 ex-F1 drivers affected as FIA cancel Qatar race due to ‘terrible conflict’ | F1 | Sport
Qatar has been struck by Iran following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East (Image: GETTY)
A number of ex-F1 drivers have been affected by the military strikes in Qatar, with the FIA postponing the opening round of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) following the outbreak of hostilities in the region. Iran has launched strikes on its neighbours in the Middle East, including Qatar, after being bombarded by attacks from Israel and the United States over the weekend. On Monday, the Qatari government stated it had shot down two Iranian fighter jets and intercepted several ballistic missiles and drones.
The crisis in the Middle East has affected sporting events throughout the region, including the Dubai Tennis Championships where a number of players were left stranded. It has also impacted motorsport, with the FIA confirming that WEC’s opening round in Qatar has been postponed until the second half of the season. It was due to be held later this month.
Several former F1 drivers are currently racing in the WEC in the hypercar and LMGT3 categories. The likes of Kamui Kobayashi, Nyck de Vries, Sebastian Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Will Stevens all compete in the hypercar class.
They are joined by Jack Aitken, Sebastian Bourdais, Kevin Magnussen, Antonio Giovinazzi, Robert Kubica, Paul di Resta and Stoffel Vandoorne. Logan Sargeant, the former Williams driver, competes in the LMGT3 category.
In a statement on Tuesday, the FIA said: “Management has been in constant dialogue with the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) in light of the current and evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
“With the safety and security of competitors, personnel and fans of the utmost importance, the decision has been taken to delay the event that had been due to take place on 26-28 March.
“Following further discussions with our colleagues at Lusail International Circuit (LIC), where the race is held, a new date for the Qatar 1812km during the second half of the campaign will be finalised and communicated in due course.
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The postponed race was due to be held at the Lusail International Circuit (Image: Getty)
“The first round of the season will consequently now be the Six Hours of Imola in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy on 17-19 April.”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, added: “The safety and wellbeing of our community will always be the FIA’s first priority. We will work closely with all involved to reschedule the race for later in the 2026 season.”
Pierre Filon, president of the WEC organising body, commented: “First and foremost, I must stress that our primary thoughts are with the victims of this terrible conflict.
“At times like these, sporting interests are clearly secondary, which is why a decision has been quickly taken that the event cannot proceed at the present time.”
It’s not yet known if the F1 calendar will be affected by the situation in the Middle East. The upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled for mid-April, with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix taking place the following week.
The calendar also includes Qatar as the penultimate Grand Prix of the season, but that race is not scheduled until late November.
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