The Formula 1 Grand Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, scheduled for April, could be canceled due to tensions in the region.
Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali will meet with the teams to discuss the situation of the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, which are scheduled for April 12 and 19 respectively.
Both countries are in a delicate situation due to the attacks between the United States and Israel against Iran.
A U.S. naval installation and residential buildings in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, were attacked a week after the country hosted Formula 1 pre-season testing.
The personnel of some F1 teams were still in the country for a Pirelli tire test at the circuit, which was later canceled.
Decisions about the future of the races will be made after next week’s Chinese Grand Prix, due to the logistics of transporting equipment and materials between races.
High-ranking Formula 1 officials have expressed doubts about the possibility of both races taking place, and there is a feeling that they could be canceled.
In case of cancellation, there would be a one-month gap between the Japanese Grand Prix (April 29) and the Miami Grand Prix (May 3).
It is considered unlikely that another circuit will be used to replace the canceled races due to the short time available for preparation.
The conflict has already complicated Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix, due to flight disruptions and cancellations that teams took through the Middle East to get to Melbourne, meaning that the teams have not yet properly discussed the issue of the April races.
Our focus, first and foremost, is safety for all relevant stakeholders, the people and also the race promoter. We don’t want to make any statement today because things are evolving and changing, so we still have time to make the right decision. And this decision will be made together.
Stefano Domenicali
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has stated that safety will be the priority and that appropriate decisions will be made based on how the situation evolves. The financial and salary cap implications for the teams in case of race cancellations will be analyzed.
We simply have to see how things develop and we will make the right decision for the health of everyone involved in the sport.
Zak Brown
The possibility of rescheduling the races for later in the year has been ruled out due to the busy schedule of 24 races and sporting factors.
The options for filling the void with other circuits are limited. The Imola circuit, which hosted a race at a similar time last year, would not have enough time to prepare in the short term.
Istanbul circuit in Turkey has been reported as a possible substitute for the new Madrid Grand Prix this year if it is not ready in time, but sources with good knowledge of the calendar and the state of possible new venues have indicated that these reports have significantly overestimated the preparation of Istanbul Park to return as a host of a race at present.
