FIA chief Muhammad ibn Sulayem in the news as motorsport governance shapes amid Middle East turmoil and F1 timing shifts. Emirati ex-rally driver, FIA president.
F1 has postponed or canceled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia scheduled for April due to escalating Iran-US-Israel conflicts. The decision follows recent Iranian missile and drone attacks affecting regional infrastructure and safety concerns. The season may proceed with 22 races, pending safety assessments.
At the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli became the youngest F1 race winner and pole-sitter, leading Mercedes to a dominant one-two finish. Ferrari showed promise but fell short. Audi replaced team principal Andreas Wheatley with Mattia Binotto, signaling leadership changes. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen refused to speak to a Guardian reporter over a past question, highlighting tensions in the paddock.
The FIA and F1 announced the cancellation of the upcoming races in Bahrain and Jeddah due to escalating conflict in the Middle East following Iran's retaliatory attacks. The decision prioritizes safety, creating a five-week gap in the racing calendar, with no rescheduling planned.