Toto Wolff spoke about the conflicts in the Middle East and how the entire situation has been affecting Formula 1. The Mercedes boss made it clear that racing is not the priority, acknowledging that some rounds might have to leave the calendar.
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After the United States and Israel attacked Iran, the country has retaliated and everything has escalated. It turns out that countries like Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are in the middle of the conflict, leaving the category with an important decision in its hands: cancel the races or try to replace them.
Both races take place precisely in April and if there are no other options to put in their place, it is a month that will be without GPs on the calendar – the WEC has already postponed the championship opener, which was supposed to take place between March 26 and 28 in Qatar.
Wolff then commented on the situation and how Formula 1 is not the priority at the moment. “First of all, Formula 1, in a way, becomes the second priority,” he said in Australia.
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“The situation in the Middle East is such an important topic in the region that it is even quite difficult, I think, to talk to local leaders and say: ‘What about the Grand Prix?’ I really hope we can race. Is it realistic that we race there at this moment? I’m not sure,” he continued.
The Austrian boss also said that it is up to the FIA and Stefano Domenicali, CEO of F1, to manage the situation of the rounds regarding Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
“My guess is that I really hope we can race… But again, I leave it to Stefano to manage this situation. I hope that, in general, the situation improves there so that we can return as soon as possible,” he concluded.
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