F1 chiefs CONFIRM cancellation of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races due to Middle East conflict – leaving month-long gap in the calendar after no suitable alternatives found
Formula 1 bosses have officially canceled next month’s races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to conflicts in the Middle East.
The two races will not be relocated, meaning there will be a break in the calendar for the entire month of April after the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and before the race in Miami on May 3.
The governing FIA confirmed: ‘The races will not take place. While various alternatives were being evaluated, it was decided not to make any changes in April.
‘The decision was taken in full consultation with the Formula 1 Group, local organizers and member clubs in the region.’
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who made the decision alongside managing director Stefano Domenicali, added: ‘The FIA will always prioritize the safety and well-being of our community and colleagues.’
A travel group of 3,000 people will attend the races in Formula 1, and it was planned to send cars and other critical cargo to the Gulf due to start transportation in the middle of next week.
Formula 1 has officially canceled the races planned to be held in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia this season.
Iranian missiles targeted energy infrastructure last week, while an oil facility in Bahrain was shaken by explosions
Bahrain, F1 pioneers in the region, pay up to £40 million to host their events; The Saudi GP makes an even bigger contribution to the sport’s budget, at around £60 million a year; It is the most profitable destination, along with Qatar, in the current 24-race calendar.
The Saudis also contribute to state-owned Aramco oil sponsorship, a partnership worth around £40 million per season. It looks like this arrangement will not be affected by cancellations.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton said before the decision: ‘I know Stefano will do the right thing for us and the sport. He is a great leader.’
Domenicali and Ben Sulayem are also preparing slots for Qatar and Abu Dhabi; The two rounds to be completed in late November and early December could be critical for the outcome of the championship.
‘These races are a long way away,’ said a Formula 1 Management source. ‘We have options, but it is too early to consider these events being postponed.’
