Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Formula One Grand Prix Races Likely to Be Canceled Amid West Asia Conflict

Riyadh. Due to the intense conflict ongoing in West Asia, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix (F1) Formula One races scheduled for next month are set to be canceled. Although the official decision is yet to be made public, there is a strong possibility that both competitions will be postponed by the end of this week.

The primary reason for deeming these major sporting activities risky to conduct is the lack of immediate signs of de-escalation in the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Organizers are reportedly taking such stringent measures for the safety of international teams and staff, especially since missile attacks have already occurred in Bahrain's capital, and Jeddah is equally at risk.

The cancellation of these two races will reduce this season's schedule from 24 to 22 events. The races were scheduled for April 12 in Bahrain and the following week in Jeddah. Due to the pressure to dispatch logistics and shipping materials on time, the Formula One administration is compelled to make an official decision within the next 48 hours.

Since these two countries pay some of the highest hosting fees globally, the cancellation is expected to cause Formula One a commercial loss exceeding 100 million pounds. This deficit will directly impact various teams and commercial rights holders.

Although holding races in alternative locations such as Portugal, Italy, or Turkey was discussed, organizing and securing the necessary budget for a new venue in such short notice was deemed impossible, leading to the decision to shorten the season. With this decision, there will be a long five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and the Miami event on May 3.