F1 Schedule Hit As Bahrain And Saudi Arabian Grands Prix Cancelled
The F1 Schedule has been disrupted after Formula 1 confirmed that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April because of the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Organizers said no substitutes will be scheduled for April and supporting Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 ACADEMY rounds will also not take place at their planned times.
Races Cancelled And Events Affected
After careful evaluations, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April. The decision was made in full consultation with the FIA and the respective promoters. Organizers said several alternatives were considered but ultimately no substitutions will be made in April. Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 ACADEMY rounds that were due to run at those events have been cancelled for their scheduled dates as well.
Impact On The F1 Schedule
The cancellations mean the Bahrain event at Sakhir, which had been scheduled for 10-12 April, and the Saudi race in Jeddah a week later will not go ahead. The races will not be rescheduled or replaced, reducing the season to 22 races and creating a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on 27-29 March and Miami on 1-3 May. Organizers warned of a commercial impact, with a projected hit of well over £100m tied to hosting fees that are shared between the 11 teams and Formula 1 itself.
Teams, officials and media have already faced disruption this season: airspace closures in the region forced many personnel to reroute travel to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix and left teams, Formula 1 and media scrambling to find alternative routes.
Official Statements And Next Steps
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “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. I want to take this opportunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their support and total understanding as they were looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion. We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so. ”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said: “The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first. After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind. We continue to hope for calm, safety and a swift return to stability in the region, and my thoughts remain with all those affected by these recent events. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are incredibly important to the ecosystem of our racing season, and I look forward to returning to both as soon as circumstances allow. ”
Local circuit officials expressed support for the decision. The Chief Executive of the Bahrain International Circuit said they fully support the decision and look forward to welcoming fans back when F1 returns. The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and Saudi Motorsport Company said they respect the decision and remain in close partnership with Formula 1. A Saudi minister of sport stated the country had been ready to host the race and affirmed that the Kingdom remains a trusted partner and destination for global sport.
The governing bodies and promoters said they hope to return to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia when circumstances allow, while the calendar will proceed without replacements for the cancelled April events.
