Formula One and the FIA have confirmed that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April due to safety concerns related to the Iran war. Both countries have been affected by Iran's retaliatory attacks following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
The announcement was made early Sunday in Shanghai ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix. F1 stated that while several alternatives were considered, no substitutions will be made in April. The races were scheduled for April 12 in Bahrain and April 19 in Jeddah.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali described the decision as difficult but necessary given the current situation in the Middle East. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized that safety and well-being remain the priority, and he looks forward to returning to both countries when circumstances allow.
The cancellation creates a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3. Without rescheduling, the season would be reduced to 22 races, the shortest since 2023. F1's packed calendar offers no obvious open dates for rescheduling.
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who qualified on pole for the Shanghai race, expressed support for the decision, prioritizing safety. Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley confirmed teams would follow FIA and F1 guidance. The last F1 race cancellation was the 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix due to floods.
