Arabic version: إلغاء سباقات الفورمولا 1 في البحرين والسعودية بسبب النزاع

Formula One and the FIA have confirmed the cancellation of the Grands Prix races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia scheduled for April. This decision comes in light of safety concerns arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, specifically related to the Iran war.

According to Al Jazeera, both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have experienced retaliatory attacks from Iran following strikes by the United States and Israel. The announcement was made early on Sunday morning in Shanghai, ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix.

F1 stated, “Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April.” Despite considering several alternatives, the organization decided against substituting these races in April. The Bahrain race was scheduled for April 12, and the Saudi Arabian race in Jeddah was set for April 19.

F1 President Stefano Domenicali acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but emphasized it was necessary given the current circumstances. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also expressed that the safety and well-being of all involved were paramount. While the FIA did not explicitly rule out rescheduling the races, they did indicate that rescheduling remains a possibility.

The promoters of both races supported the decision, acknowledging the importance of safety. The cancellation results in a five-week gap in the racing schedule, which could lead to the shortest season since 2023 if no rescheduling occurs. The situation has been complicated by logistical challenges, including a travel shutdown affecting major airports in the region, which has disrupted travel for F1 staff.

Historically, F1 has faced challenges regarding race safety, including a previous incident in 2022 when the Saudi Arabian race continued despite nearby attacks. However, the organization has maintained a commitment to prioritizing safety over scheduling.