Canceling "Formula" in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia

The organizers of the Formula 1 World Championship announced the cancellation of the Grand Prix races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, which were scheduled to be held during the month of April, against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The decision was largely expected, as a joint statement issued by the Formula One World Championship, which is owned by Liberty Media, along with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) and local organizers, made clear that the two races would not be replaced by other races on the April schedule.

Informed sources said that the chances of rescheduling the two races later in the year appear weak due to logistical challenges and weather conditions, although the official statement did not categorically rule out this possibility. Accordingly, the number of races this season will be reduced from 24 to 22 races.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said that the decision was not easy, but he considered it the most appropriate option in light of the current conditions in the Middle East.

The Sakhir Circuit in Bahrain was scheduled to host the fourth round of the season on April 12, followed by another round at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia during the following week.