Sky F1 Schedule Shows Bahrain and Saudi Grands Prix Could Be Canceled
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix are under threat because of the US-Israel war with Iran, putting the two early-season races and well over $100m in host fees at risk. Wednesday at 9: 00 a. m. ET — with a transport decision and a March 20 deadline looming, the sky f1 schedule for teams and fans is already unsettled.
Sky F1 Schedule and the Bahrain, Jeddah Dates
Bahrain is set to host the fourth race of the season from 10-12 April, with Saudi Arabia’s event in Jeddah a week later. Missiles launched by Iran have struck hotels, civilian and energy infrastructure and targeted American bases in the Gulf states, directly imperiling locations used by race personnel and visitors.
F1 Teams Face Two-Week Transport Deadline and March 20 Decision
F1 has no more than two weeks before it must decide whether the Bahrain and Saudi events can go ahead because equipment must be shipped by sea. A decision on whether to cancel the two races will be made by March 20 at the latest, and that deadline is already shaping planning for teams, staff and logistics.
Manama Strikes, Base Risks and Financial Stakes for Bahrain and Saudi Races
The US naval base in the Bahraini capital Manama has been hit by Iranian missiles; the base sits in the Juffair area, one of the parts of the city where F1 personnel stay. The Saudi race is run near an oil refinery that has been targeted previously, heightening security concerns for the Jeddah event. Cancellation would have a significant financial impact because the fees paid by the two oil-rich countries add up to well over $100m and would not be paid if the races are canceled.
F1 president Stefano Domenicali said, “First of all, our approach first of all is safety for all of the relevant stakeholders, people and the promoter itself. ” Team leaders have discussed the situation at season-opening meetings, stressing safety for staff and fans as the top priority.
Race organizers and teams have considered replacement circuits, with Portimao in Portugal, Imola in Italy and Istanbul in Turkey mentioned as possibilities. However, the calendar is congested and organisers say there would not be enough time to organise an event, sell tickets and manage logistics for April, making replacements unlikely and raising the prospect the season could shorten to 22 grands prix.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri won last year’s race in Bahrain, a reminder of the sporting implications if that round does not take place. If the war remains ongoing at the decision point, F1 officials say there is little prospect the races can happen; even a formal ceasefire might not eliminate risks from related or proxy groups that could target the events.
The next confirmed decision point is the deadline for whether the Bahrain and Saudi rounds will proceed: a final call is due by March 20, with a formal decision expected by 11: 59 p. m. ET on March 20.
