Bahrain and Saudi Arabian F1 Grands Prix Likely to Be Cancelled Amid Middle East Conflict
The Formula One calendar could face a major shake-up next month, with the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix expected to be cancelled as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East.
According to multiple sources who spoke to Reuters, an official announcement is expected soon, with insiders suggesting it is only a matter of time before the decision is confirmed.
A March 20 deadline is approaching for freight that must be transported to Bahrain, making it increasingly difficult for Formula One to continue with the planned race schedule.
Sky Sports, which holds the broadcasting rights in Britain where most of the 11 Formula One teams are based, also reported that it understood the races would likely be called off by Sunday night.
Among the affected areas is Manama, the capital of Bahrain, where the majority of Formula One team personnel would typically stay during the race weekend.
The escalating security situation has raised serious concerns about the safety of drivers, teams, and staff travelling to the region.
The season began last weekend in Australia, marking the start of the new campaign.
However, insiders have previously suggested that if the Bahrain and Saudi races are cancelled, they are unlikely to be replaced or rescheduled.
The Bahrain Grand Prix was originally scheduled for April 12, while the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah was set to take place on April 19.
The race is scheduled for March 29, after which the championship will head to the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley addressed the situation while speaking to reporters after practice at the Shanghai circuit.
“I think we follow the guidance of the FIA and Formula One, as we always do. They’ve always led us in the right direction,” Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley told reporters after practice at the Shanghai circuit.
“Nobody’s going to compromise on anything that would put teams into an uncomfortable situation.”
According to multiple sources who spoke to Reuters, an official announcement is expected soon, with insiders suggesting it is only a matter of time before the decision is confirmed.
Announcement Expected Before Freight Deadline
Sources indicated that confirmation of the cancellations could come by Monday at the latest, as teams face an important logistical deadline.A March 20 deadline is approaching for freight that must be transported to Bahrain, making it increasingly difficult for Formula One to continue with the planned race schedule.
Sky Sports, which holds the broadcasting rights in Britain where most of the 11 Formula One teams are based, also reported that it understood the races would likely be called off by Sunday night.
Ongoing Middle East Conflict Raising Safety Concerns
The expected cancellations come amid growing regional tensions. U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran are continuing, while Iranian drones and missiles have reportedly targeted several Middle Eastern capitals.Among the affected areas is Manama, the capital of Bahrain, where the majority of Formula One team personnel would typically stay during the race weekend.
The escalating security situation has raised serious concerns about the safety of drivers, teams, and staff travelling to the region.
Formula One Season Continues in China
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Middle Eastern races, the Formula One season is continuing this weekend in China, where the championship is holding its second round.The season began last weekend in Australia, marking the start of the new campaign.
However, insiders have previously suggested that if the Bahrain and Saudi races are cancelled, they are unlikely to be replaced or rescheduled.
Championship Calendar Could Shrink to 22 Races
If both events are removed from the schedule, April would become an empty month for Formula One, and the championship would be reduced to 22 rounds instead of the planned calendar.The Bahrain Grand Prix was originally scheduled for April 12, while the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah was set to take place on April 19.
Upcoming F1 Races Remain Unchanged
Before those races were scheduled, Formula One will move on to the Japanese Grand Prix, which is the third round of the season.The race is scheduled for March 29, after which the championship will head to the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
Teams Waiting for Official Guidance
Teams across the paddock are waiting for official confirmation from Formula One and the sport’s governing body.Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley addressed the situation while speaking to reporters after practice at the Shanghai circuit.
“I think we follow the guidance of the FIA and Formula One, as we always do. They’ve always led us in the right direction,” Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley told reporters after practice at the Shanghai circuit.
“Nobody’s going to compromise on anything that would put teams into an uncomfortable situation.”
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