Formula One has called off the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix events because of the conflict in the Middle East.
The two races had been scheduled for 12 April in Bahrain and 19 April in Saudi Arabia, but organisers were nearing the point where a cancellation decision was required to avoid sending additional cargo to Bahrain.
In a release, the sport’s regulator, the FIA, together with Formula One, acknowledged that safety considerations left them no alternative but to scrap the events.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated: “The FIA will always put the safety and welfare of our community and staff first. After thorough review, we have made this decision with that duty firmly in mind.”
Bahrain’s Sakhir circuit lies just 20 miles (32 km) from a U.S. base that has already been targeted in Iranian attacks. A portion of team equipment remains stranded in Bahrain, unable to move since pre‑season testing, and there is little desire to dispatch further supplies that might become inaccessible.
With both rounds withdrawn, replacement races are improbable given the challenges of locating and equipping a venue on short notice.
Ben Sulayem added: “Bahrain and Saudi Arabia play a vital role in our season’s structure, and I hope to return as soon as conditions permit.” The calendar is expected to comprise 22 meetings, leaving a five‑week interval between the third round in Japan on 29 March and the next event in Miami on 3 May, during which teams will work on further car upgrades to meet the new regulations.
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