Formula 1 cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix

Formula 1 said the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The decision was confirmed Saturday after what Formula 1 described as careful evaluations. The series said no replacement races will be added to the April calendar, and that the scheduled Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia also will not go ahead as planned.

Both Gulf countries have been targeted by Iranian missile and drone attacks during the war, causing casualties and damage.

Formula 1 said the decision was made in consultation with the FIA, the sport’s governing body, and the local promoters.

“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,” Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali said.

Bahrain has hosted Formula 1 since 2004 and in recent years has frequently staged either the season opener or one of the first races of the year at Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir.

Saudi Arabia joined the calendar in 2021 with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah, held on a street circuit in the port city.

Domenicali thanked the FIA and local promoters for their support and said Formula 1 hopes to return “as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so.”