Saudi Arabia-backed F1 team insists racing in the Middle East is ‘not a concern’ despite escalated regional tensions

Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack was convinced that F1 will not face safety risks in the Middle East for the opening two rounds of the 2024 season.

Saudi Arabia-backed F1 team insists racing in the Middle East is ‘not a concern’ despite escalated regional tensions

Aerial shot of the F1 Saudi Arabian GP main straight (Via IMAGO)

The Middle East is one of the most highly volatile regions currently. The Israel-Palestine conflict has escalated in recent months which has devastated millions of innocent lives. Subsequently, concerns have been raised over Formula 1’s first two rounds of the 2024 F1 season scheduled to be in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. However, Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack has insisted that the sport will ensure that the race weekends remain safe for the entire paddock.

It must be noted that Aston Martin has strong ties to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) owns over 20% of the British carmaker. Moreover, the Saudi state-owned oil giant Aramco is the title sponsor of the Silverstone-based team.

YouTube video

Krack highlighted that the British team had been in contact with Formula 1 regarding the situation in the Middle East. The Aston Martin boss assured that there are no issues for the Bahrain GP and the Saudi Arabian GP. The 51-year-old insisted that the paddock needed to trust F1 and the advisors over the present arrangement.

FS Video
We have been in touch with F1 and their security advisors. There is no real concerns to go and race in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. We have to trust F1 and their advisors in this regard.
Mike Krack said as reported by Racingnews365

The present situation in the Middle East has worried millions of people across the world. Former F1 world champion Damon Hill shared a heartbreaking story of a 6-year-old girl who was reportedly killed by the Israel Army. However, such instances have become regular in this inhumane conflict with people being forced to abandon their homes in the Gaza Strip.

F1 has faced safety concerns in the Middle East in the past

Formula 1 has faced difficult situations in the Middle East previously. In 2022, the Saudi Arabian GP was overshadowed by a missile attack just miles away from the Jeddah street circuit by the Houthi terrorist group. Subsequently, drivers were reluctant to continue the weekend. However, the Kingdom ensured that there would be no issues in the race weekend.

Aerial shot of the F1 Saudi Arabian GP
Aerial shot of the F1 Saudi Arabian GP (Via IMAGO)

Moreover, the 2023 Abu Dhabi GP was under the threat of cancelation due to the Israel-Palestine conflict. However, Formula 1 ensured that all safety criteria would be met for the smooth functioning of the weekend. The race went ahead without any issues.

Certainly, Formula 1 is willing to continue racing in the Middle East despite the present tensions in the region. The respective governments of the region, be it Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE or Qatar ensure that the sport has a safe environment with maximum security throughout race weekends. As such, it seems that the pinnacle of motorsport will not face any risks in the upcoming season. Although, fans have raised the moral question of racing in a region that is marred by conflicts and human rights violations.

In case you missed it: