Formula One, or F1, has officially announced the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix scheduled for April, due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The FIA confirmed that personnel safety remains the top priority, resulting in a reduction of this year's race calendar to 22 events.
The Formula One motor racing series announced the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix set for April, citing the intensifying conflict in the Middle East region.
A joint statement from the Formula One organizers, Liberty Media—the rights holder—and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) stated that these two races will not be replaced on the April calendar. Industry sources suggest that rescheduling the races for later in the year is unlikely due to logistical challenges and weather conditions.
Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One, said that although it was a difficult decision, it was the most appropriate course of action given the current situation in the Middle East.
Originally, the Bahrain circuit at Sakhir Desert was scheduled as the fourth race of the season on 12 April, followed by the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia the following week. Both events were planned as night races under floodlights.
The decision to cancel comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with the United States and Israel continuing strikes against Iran, which has retaliated by launching drones and missiles at multiple regional capitals, including Manama, Bahrain's capital city and home to several racing teams.
Additionally, several regional airports have been temporarily closed, including Manama's airport. Iran has also threatened to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping route. Bahrain hosts the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet.
Sources indicate the deadline for transporting racing equipment to Bahrain was set for 20 March. Currently, Formula One is competing in Shanghai, China, with the next race scheduled in Japan on 29 March.
Afterward, the Miami Grand Prix in the United States, set for 3 May, will become the next race of the season, resulting in a five-week gap between events. Some teams, such as Aston Martin, may use this time to improve their cars' performance.
The FIA stated it considered several alternative venues but ultimately decided to leave April free on the calendar. This decision was made following consultations with race organizers and member automotive associations.
Besides Formula One, supporting series such as Formula 2, Formula 3, and the F1 Academy for female drivers, which were originally scheduled to take place in the Middle East, will also be canceled.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said the safety and wellbeing of motorsport personnel are paramount and expressed hope that the situation in the region will calm soon.
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races represent significant revenue sources for Formula One, with Bahrain reportedly paying around 45 million dollars annually in hosting fees, while Saudi Arabia is believed to pay even more.
This marks the second time the Bahrain Grand Prix has been canceled; the first was in 2011 due to political unrest in the country.
The Jeddah race faced security concerns in 2022 after Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched drones and missile attacks on oil facilities near the circuit. However, the race proceeded after safety assurances were confirmed.
Both countries are major investors in Formula One, with Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund owning the world champion McLaren team, and Saudi energy giant Aramco serving as a primary sponsor of the Aston Martin team.
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, stated that the government respects the FIA and Formula One's decision and reaffirmed the country's full readiness to host races, having successfully held five events previously.
/sourceReuters