Formula 1's official DJ, Admin, whose real name is Rick Jansen, has announced he will miss the first three races of the 2024 season due to safety concerns arising from Israeli–United States strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks across the Persian Gulf. The Dutch DJ will not attend the Grands Prix in Australia, China, or Japan this month, citing unease about being away from home amid global tensions.
In an Instagram post, Jansen described the decision as 'a very difficult decision to make,' adding that it 'simply doesn't feel good at the moment.' He expressed concern about being stuck indefinitely, particularly given his role as a teacher, and said he could not afford to be stranded. Jansen hopes to return for the fourth race in Bahrain, but Formula 1 has already cancelled two days of development tests there due to security issues. A spokesperson noted that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races, both in mid-April, are weeks away and that the sport is monitoring the situation closely with authorities.
Jansen's post, translated from Dutch, read: 'With everything going on in the world, I don't feel safe and comfortable being away from home. That's a bitter pill, but it feels like the only right decision.' He added that his disappointment was not with those affected on the ground, saying, 'my thoughts are with them. Stay safe, stay kind to one another. I will be back.'
Australian Grand Prix chief executive Travis Auld confirmed on Monday that travel disruptions caused by the strikes had required 'some reshuffling of flights,' but that Formula 1 had ensured all personnel would arrive in time for the race. He stated that fans would 'not notice any difference' and that drivers and team members from the UK and Europe had found alternative routes.
