Formula One has cancelled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. The races were scheduled for 12 April in Bahrain and 19 April in Saudi Arabia, but the sport decided to cancel them to prevent further freight from being sent to the region.
In a statement, F1 cited safety concerns: “It has been confirmed today that, after careful evaluations, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April. While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April.” The statement also confirmed that support series rounds for Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 Academy will not take place as scheduled.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “While this was a difficult decision to take, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East. I want to thank the FIA and our promoters for their support and understanding.” FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “The FIA will always place the safety and well-being of our community first.”
Bahrain’s Sakhir circuit is located just 20 miles from a US base that has been targeted by Iranian attacks. Some team freight is already stuck in Bahrain, having been unable to move since pre-season testing. The season now has 22 rounds, with a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on 29 March and the Miami Grand Prix on 3 May.
