Kimi Antonelli took pole position for Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix ahead of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton and was asked by AFP in Shanghai about the possible cancellation of the Middle East races.
“My thoughts, and I think it’s the same for Lewis and George, are with the ones that are suffering from this situation,” said the 19-year-old Mercedes driver.
“Formula One and the FIA, they will handle the situation the best way possible in order to guarantee everyone’s safety.
“Probably they know already, but let’s wait and see … I’m sure they will do the right thing.”
Neighbouring Qatar has also been targeted by Iranian attacks with the first round of the World Endurance Championship (WEC), which had been slated for Mar 26 to 28, now postponed until October.
“The current geopolitical instability in the Middle East obliged the postponement of the Qatari contest,” the International Automobile Federation (FIA) said in a statement on Friday.
The event covering 1,812km will now take place from Oct 22 to 24, becoming the penultimate event of the season.
The endurance racing season will now officially begin with the Six Hours of Imola in Italy from Apr 17 to 19.
The FIA stated that “the safety and security of competitors, personnel and fans remain of the utmost importance … and all parties will continue to monitor developments across the region”.
