Formula 1 has officially announced the cancellation of two upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The decision, confirmed on Saturday, stems from the ongoing Iran war and the widening scope of conflict across the Middle East.
The Bahrain Grand Prix was originally slated to take place on April 12, followed by the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix on April 19.
Safety concerns lead to double cancellation
A joint press release issued by the commercial arm of Formula 1 and its governing body, the FIA, confirmed that no substitutions will be made for the vacant slots in April despite several alternatives being considered.
This official confirmation follows reports on Friday suggesting that the races were expected to be called off. Industry sources had indicated that an announcement was imminent over the weekend regarding the status of the two events.
Formula 1 Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali described the move as a difficult but necessary step given the current regional instability. He expressed his gratitude to the hosts in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, noting that the sport looks forward to returning once circumstances permit.
Impact on the racing calendar
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized that the safety and wellbeing of the Formula 1 community and staff remain the highest priority. He stated that the governing body took the decision with a firm sense of responsibility toward the personnel involved in the sport.
The removal of these two rounds creates a significant five-week gap in the racing season. Fans will now have to wait between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 28 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3. This hiatus represents a notable commercial blow to the sport and a disappointment for the global fanbase.
Support categories also affected
The cancellation extends beyond the premier category. Officials from Formula 1 and the FIA confirmed that supporting races for Formula 2, Formula 3, and the F1 Academy will also not proceed in those countries.
The decision reflects the broader security challenges currently facing international sporting events in the region. There has been no further word on whether these specific rounds will be rescheduled for a later date in the year.
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