F1 drivers set to follow MotoGP lead: 'Definitely something to discuss'

Charles Leclerc has confirmed that the F1 drivers are set to follow the lead of their MotoGP counterparts and discuss any concerns over racing in the Middle East for the final two grands prix of the season.

Ahead of last weekend's race at Phillip Island in Australia, which was eventually cancelled due to severe weather and poor visibility that prevented the medical helicopters from operating safely, the 22 riders staged a rare meeting amongst themselves to discuss the issues of racing in Qatar next weekend.

It is understood that, given the growing uncertainty in the region due to the looming threat of an escalation in the war between Iran and the United States, the riders expressed serious concerns about their safety and those of their teams.

Further meetings have followed in the build-up to this Sunday's race in Sepang, Malaysia, between the riders and their team managers, and then with MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.

Those willing to discuss the matter with the media chose their words carefully. Yamaha rider Alex Rins stated: “I would like to talk [more] about it, but I can't. The only thing that I can say is we are really united, all the riders, more than ever."

At this stage, MotoGP has not made an official announcement, which, like F1, is run by the same commercial rights holder, Liberty Media.

Asked whether similar conversations had taken place amongst the drivers ahead of F1's visit to Qatar in four weeks, followed by Abu Dhabi to conclude the season a week later, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc said: "It's definitely something that I think will come up in the talks.

"We haven't necessarily talked about it too much through the GPDA [Grand Prix Drivers' Association], but it's definitely a topic that will probably be on the list of things that we need to discuss. We'll see what happens."

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Perez - 'Things can change from day to day'

Speaking in the FIA press conference ahead of this weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix, home hero Sergio Perez felt that the MotoGP riders were right to discuss the matter.

"Nobody knows at the moment," said Cadillac driver Perez on the possibility of racing in the Middle East. "It can change from one day to another. Things can ramp up.

"At the moment, it looks like the right thing from what we've seen in MotoGP, but I just think these things can change day to day."

Naturally highlighting the fact the final decision is out of the drivers' hands, he added: "We're not the ones taking the decisions. The people who take the decisions will obviously have full responsibility for them, so it's not really for us to say much on it."

Williams driver Alex Albon agreed it was a "wait and see" situation. He added: "There are still quite a few weeks ahead of us.

"It is obviously a sensitive area. Looking at the MotoGP side of things, I think the riders are doing the right things in getting the insurance assurances they're asking for."