Share and Follow
Formula 1 has announced the cancellation of its upcoming Grand Prix events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, originally slated for next month, citing the current conflict involving Iran. This decision was jointly confirmed by the sport’s organizers and its governing body on Saturday.
In a statement released prior to the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, officials explained that the choice was the result of “careful evaluations” conducted in collaboration with the FIA and local race organizers in both countries.
The Bahrain Grand Prix was set for April 12, followed by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah on April 19.
“After thorough assessments, it has been confirmed that due to the ongoing Middle East situation, the Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will not proceed in April,” the statement from Formula 1 detailed. “Various alternatives were explored, but ultimately, no replacement events will be scheduled for April.”
The statement further clarified that the Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 ACADEMY events will also be postponed from their planned dates.
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have both been targeted by missile and drone strikes as part of Iran’s retaliatory campaign against the U.S. and Israel since the war began on Feb. 28.
The attacks have prompted the U.S. and some allies to suspend or restrict services at embassies and consulates in several Middle Eastern countries, with officials urging civilians to leave the region amid growing fears of a wider conflict.
“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,” Stefano Domenicali, the president and CEO of Formula 1, said in a statement.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their support and total understanding as they were looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion. We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so,” Domenicali added.
The move leaves F1 with a five-week gap between the Japan Grand Prix on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix, meaning the season could be cut short to 22 races if the two Middle East events are not rescheduled, according to ESPN.
“The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first. After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind,” President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said in a statement.
“We continue to hope for calm, safety and a swift return to stability in the region, and my thoughts remain with all those affected by these recent events,” Sulayem continued.
The last time a scheduled F1 race was canceled was in 2023, when the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in northern Italy was called off at short notice due to deadly floods in the area.
In 2022, F1 continued with its race weekend in Saudi Arabia even after Yemen’s Houthi rebels attacked an oil depot during a practice session, with black smoke visible from the Jeddah circuit.