Formula One has confirmed that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April. The announcement comes amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Organizers said the races will not be replaced on the April calendar.
The Bahrain race at Sakhir Circuit was scheduled for April 12, followed by Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Corniche Circuit the next weekend. Both events are held at night under floodlights. Formula One Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali said the decision, though difficult, was necessary given the current situation in the region.
Sources indicate the April races are unlikely to be rescheduled later this year due to logistics and seasonal weather conditions. The season calendar has been reduced from 24 to 22 races.
The decision also affects Formula Two, Formula Three, and the F1 Academy rounds originally planned in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The FIA emphasized that safety and wellbeing of teams and personnel are the top priorities. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated the move reflects careful consideration of all risks in the area.
Rising tensions in the region have played a major role. US and Israeli attacks on Iran continue, while Iranian drones and missiles have targeted capitals including Bahrain’s Manama. Key airports have closed, and the Strait of Hormuz faces potential blockades, raising serious safety concerns.
The deadline for freight to reach Bahrain was March 20, making preparations for the April races difficult. Currently, Formula One is racing in Shanghai, China, with Japan next on March 29. The next event after the skipped April races will be the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, creating a five-week break.
Both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are significant financial contributors to the sport. Bahrain’s hosting fees are estimated at $45 million, while Saudi Arabia’s fees are likely higher. The two nations also have strong investments in teams, including McLaren and Aston Martin.
Officials in both countries expressed support for the FIA and Formula One’s decision, stressing their readiness to host the races safely in the future. The April races’ cancellation highlights the sport’s focus on safety while maintaining its global calendar.
The FIA and Formula One hope for stability in the region and look forward to returning to both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia when conditions allow.
The season will continue in May, giving teams time to regroup and prepare for upcoming races.
This news ensures fans are informed about the cancellation and its impact on the racing calendar.
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