Berlin [Germany], March 16: The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix in April have been scrapped due to the Iran war, Formula One announced on Saturday, but organizers have left the door open for the events to happen later in the year.
"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," F1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali said in a statement.
"We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so." It had been widely reported that the races would be cancelled and there would be 22 grands prix this season instead of 24.
But the wording of the F1 statement suggests the world's top motorsport series may try to go to the two money-spinning nations later in the season if the Iran war subsides.
"It has been confirmed today that, after careful evaluations, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April," it read.
The word cancellation was not used.
The Bahrain Grand Prix had been scheduled for April 12 in Sakhir and the Saudi race a week later in Jeddah.
Two nations support or respect decision Israel and the United States started attacking Iran in late February and Tehran has hit back by striking neighbouring countries including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Portugal and Italy's Imola were reported in the media as potential replacement venues, but adding races at such short notice was not doable.
"While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April," the F1 statement said.
There will now be a five-week break between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and the Miami race on May 3. The season started last weekend in Australia and the second race is on Sunday in China.
The only realistic periods in which the Bahrain and Saudi races could be rearranged would appear to be the usual F1 mid-season break in early August or right at the end of the season in December.
Given the heat in August and drivers using those weeks to take a breather, the former seems unlikely. However, F1 could say the upcoming five-week gap gives teams a break.
More December races would affect 2027 season plans.
The last two races of the season are currently in Qatar on November 29 and Abu Dhabi on December 6. Both Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have also been targeted by Iran, but F1 hopes the races can take place as planned.
Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, chief executive of the Bahrain International Circuit, said: "We fully support the decision by Formula 1, and we are grateful to them and to the (governing) FIA for their support and enduring partnership. We look forward to welcoming fans from all around the world back to Bahrain when F1 returns."
Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, said: "The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation respect the decision taken by Formula 1 regarding the 2026 race calendar.
"We understand the considerations behind this decision and remain in close partnership with Formula 1
Source: Qatar Tribune
