F1 cancels Bahrain and Saudi GPs over Iran war

Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile announced on Saturday that the fourth and fifth rounds of the season, scheduled for April, have been suspended to prioritise safety and wellbeing, with no replacements planned for now.

The first event was scheduled to take place in Bahrain from 10-12 April, with the 'Grand Circus' due to move to Saudi Arabia a week later. However, the instability affecting the Middle East since 28 February, when the United States and Israel attacked Iran, resulting in the death of supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has influenced global decisions and, to a large extent, the staging of major sporting events.

"After careful evaluation, and due to the current situation in the Middle East region, it has been confirmed that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April," the FIA said in a statement issued hours before Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix. The next races of the season are expected to be the Japanese Grand Prix from 27-29 March. Following this announcement, the next race will be the Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for 1-3 May.

"Several alternatives were considered, but it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April," the statement added, ruling out the possibility of finding another date for the two races, despite the difficulties this would entail.

"The decision has been taken in full consultation with Formula One Group, the local promoters, and our member clubs in the region," the governing body explained. Although it has not been completely ruled out, it is still too early for officials to consider making some dates available towards the end of the season. The idea of moving the races to Europe has been dismissed for the time being due to logistical difficulties, although Formula One has not yet provided a definitive answer on this matter.

This enforced five-week break is unprecedented for teams and drivers, and if the FIA's position is confirmed, the calendar will be reduced from 24 to 22 races, which will alter the sporting plans of those involved.

The suspension of the top-tier sport also affects the feeder categories, which traditionally take place alongside the world championship rounds. Consequently, the scheduled rounds of the FIA Formula 2 Championship, the FIA Formula 3 Championship and the F1 Academy Championship have been cancelled on their original dates.

"Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile will always prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues," said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem in an official statement. He also expressed his hope for "a swift return to stability in the region" and offered his support to all those affected by the events. Ben Sulayem emphasised that this drastic measure had been taken 'after careful consideration' and with full awareness of the 'responsibility' involved.

The governing body stressed the decision prioritises "the integrity of all personnel travelling to the events and the fans" over the sporting and commercial commitments linked to staging an event of this magnitude.

Formula One's decision reflects the uncertainty and concerns that have emerged in the Gulf over the past two weeks as the war has intensified and spread to different areas. This includes Bahrain, a kingdom where attacks have taken place and where a major US military base is located, as well as Saudi Arabia, where parts of the vital oil industry have also been targeted.