Iran Attack Disrupts F1 Plans, Strands Athletes Across Sports

The aftermath of Saturday’s joint attack by the U.S. and Israel on Iran is having a noticeable impact on sports in the Middle East and around the world.

Beyond the uncertainty of Iran’s participation in this summer’s FIFA World Cup, Formula One’s season begins March 8 at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, and many in the sport, particularly European-based teams, are having to re-route their travels as they were originally scheduled to fly through the Middle East. Next month, F1 has two races scheduled in the Middle East: the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

“Our next three races are in Australia, China, and Japan and not in the Middle East—those races are not for a number of weeks,” an F1 spokesperson told ESPN. “As always, we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities.”

F1 tiremaker Pirelli cancelled a two-day test that was supposed to take place in Bahrain over the weekend.

Athletes in Limbo

Meanwhile, some professional athletes are having trouble leaving the Middle East due to some airspace closures after Iran fired missiles at U.S. bases in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

Daniil Medvedev, the No. 11-ranked tennis player in the world, won the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Saturday, but said he is unsure when he’ll be able to leave the country. Some other tennis players are also stranded in Dubai. Medvedev is scheduled to compete in the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., which begins Friday.

Women’s basketball players Tiffany Mitchell, Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, and Destiny Littleton—all former South Carolina Gamecocks—are in Israel, unable to leave the country. 

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley wrote on X Saturday to “please pray” for the trio, who are in a war zone in Israel!! We are working on a plan to get home. Let us pray for our loved ones to return home safely asap! Thank you in advance.”