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Formula 1 Races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Halted Amidst Middle East Tensions
Shanghai, China – The high-octane world of Formula 1 is pumping the brakes on its upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Citing escalating safety concerns linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, F1 and its governing body, the FIA, announced early Sunday in Shanghai that both April Grand Prix events would not proceed as scheduled.
This decision comes in the wake of recent strikes on both nations as part of Iran’s response to attacks initiated by the United States and Israel. The Bahrain Grand Prix was slated for April 12, followed by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah on April 19.
In a statement, F1 acknowledged the “ongoing situation in the Middle East region,” confirming that despite exploring various alternatives, no substitute races would be arranged for April. Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of F1, emphasized the difficult but necessary nature of the decision, calling it “the right one at this stage.”
The FIA echoed these sentiments, with President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stating, “The FIA will always place the safety and well being of our community and colleagues first. After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind.”
While neither organization explicitly used the terms “cancel” or “postpone,” suggesting a potential rescheduling, F1’s already packed calendar leaves little room for maneuver this year. Ben Sulayem expressed hope for a return, noting that “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.” Both Bahraini and Saudi Arabian race promoters have publicly supported the decision.
The removal of these two races creates a significant five-week void in the F1 schedule, stretching from the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 to the Miami Grand Prix on May 3. Without rescheduling, this would shorten the 2024 season to 22 races, the fewest since 2023.
The early announcement was a practical necessity for F1, which typically dispatches staff and cargo to tracks weeks in advance. The complexities of selling tickets on short notice also made organizing replacement races in other countries unfeasible.
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who secured pole position for Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix, extended his thoughts to those affected by the conflict, stressing that safety must be the priority. He expressed confidence in the FIA and F1, stating, “I’m sure they will do the right thing.”
Team principals, including Audi’s Jonathan Wheatley, have affirmed their trust in the guidance provided by the FIA and F1. “Nobody’s going to compromise on anything that would put teams into an uncomfortable situation,” Wheatley said on Friday.
This isn’t the first time F1 has faced disruptions due to external events. In 2023, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Italy was canceled due to severe flooding.
In 2022, the Russian Grand Prix’s contract was terminated following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Interestingly, F1 proceeded with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2022 despite a Houthi rebel attack on an oil depot during a practice session, which saw black smoke visible from the circuit.
The Middle East’s geopolitical landscape has already impacted F1 this season, with a planned wet-weather tire test in Bahrain called off after initial strikes by Israel and the United States. Furthermore, a travel shutdown at major Middle Eastern airports caused logistical challenges for Europe-based F1 personnel heading to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.