The Formula One calendar is set for a drastic change, with this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix expected to be cancelled because of the ongoing Middle East conflict after both nations were targeted by Iranian retaliatory strikes.
An official announcement is expected this weekend, and the races scheduled for April 12 and April 19 are unlikely to be rescheduled, leaving F1 with a five-week gap between the Japan Grand Prix on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
Authorities are understood to have consulted security agencies in both countries, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, and international security bodies before reaching the decision, with sources indicating the calendar will be reduced to 22 events rather than seeking replacement races.
The decision comes as freight to the Gulf was due to begin moving next week, making this weekend a hard deadline, while organisers face major financial losses with Bahrain paying up to £40 million and Saudi Arabia around £60 million annually to host their events.
Contingency planning is also under way for Qatar and Abu Dhabi later in the season, while Lewis Hamilton said ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix that F1 chief Stefano Domenicali would do what is right for the sport, as George Russell claimed sprint pole in Shanghai with Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli alongside him on the front row.
