Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix set to be cancelled due to conflict

Next month’s Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Formula 1 races will be canceled over the weekend due to conflict in the Middle East.

Multiple sources told Reuters that an announcement, seen as imminent in the sport, is expected on Monday at the latest, and that the deadline for cargo to be transported to Bahrain is expected to be March 20 for logistical reasons.

Sky Sports television, which has broadcasting rights in England, where most of the 11 teams are located, said it was understood that the races would be canceled until Sunday night.

As U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran continue, Iranian drones and missiles have hit some Middle Eastern capitals, including Bahrain’s Manama, where most of the team’s staff will be staying in hotels.

Formula 1 will race in China this weekend for the second round of the season after the opener in Australia last weekend.

Sources have previously stated that the Middle East race is unlikely to be changed or rescheduled, which would leave April as an empty month for the series and the championship would be reduced.
Up to 22 rounds.

Bahrain was scheduled to be held on April 12, along with the Saudi race in Jeddah on April 19.

The third round Japanese Grand Prix will be held on March 29, and the next race will be held in Miami on May 3.

“I think we’re following the guidance of the FIA ​​and Formula 1, as we always do. They’ve always pointed us in the right direction,” Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley told reporters after practice at the Shanghai circuit.