Formula 1: Bahrain & Saudi Grands Prix Cancelled Amidst Middle East Conflict
The Formula 1 calendar has been reshaped by ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix races cancelled, officials announced Saturday, . The races, scheduled for April, were removed from the schedule due to the escalating situation in the region.
The decision, widely anticipated, comes from Formula 1, owned by Liberty Media, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), and local organizers. A statement confirmed the races will not be replaced with alternative grands prix in April, reducing the season from 24 to 22 races.
“Despite our best efforts, holding the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia at this time is not possible,” said Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1. “We are deeply disappointed for our fans, partners, and the local communities who were looking forward to these events.”
The Bahrain Grand Prix was slated to be the fourth round of the season, taking place at the Bahrain International Circuit on . The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, a night race held on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, was scheduled for the following week. Both races are traditionally held under floodlights.
The FIA explored the possibility of relocating the races, but ultimately determined that was not feasible. The decision was made in full consultation with Formula 1, local organizers, and FIA members.
The cancellation extends beyond Formula 1 itself, impacting supporting series. Races for Formula 2, Formula 3, and the W Series, all scheduled to seize place alongside the grands prix in the Middle East, have also been called off.
“The FIA will always prioritize the safety and well-being of our community and colleagues,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA. “After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility in mind, and we remain hopeful for a swift return to peace and stability in the region.” He added that both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are “vital” to the racing ecosystem and that a return to both countries is anticipated when conditions allow.
The financial implications of the cancellations are significant. Both races contribute substantial revenue to Formula 1, with Bahrain alone generating approximately $45 million annually in hosting fees. Saudi Arabia’s hosting fees are believed to be even higher. The loss of these revenues will undoubtedly be felt throughout the sport.
This isn’t the first time the Bahrain Grand Prix has been cancelled. The 2011 race was called off due to civil unrest in the kingdom. Concerns surrounding the Jeddah race also surfaced in 2022 following attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, on oil facilities near the circuit. The 2022 race proceeded only after teams received assurances regarding security, and drivers engaged in a lengthy, four-hour discussion regarding the situation.
The two races also represent significant investment in the sport from key stakeholders. Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat, owns the McLaren team, while Saudi oil giant Aramco is the primary sponsor of Aston Martin.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sport, acknowledged the decision, stating, “We respect the decision of the FIA and Formula 1 not to hold the race at its scheduled time.” He affirmed that the Kingdom was fully prepared to host the event, having successfully done so in five previous editions.
The next race on the Formula 1 calendar is now the Japanese Grand Prix, followed by the Miami Grand Prix on .
While a rescheduling of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races later in the year is considered unlikely due to logistical challenges and weather conditions, the official statement did not explicitly rule it out. The complexities of shipping equipment to the Gulf region, compounded by the expanding conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, were key factors in the decision. The two races are typically held consecutively to streamline the complex logistics involved in transporting the Formula 1 circus.
The cancellation underscores the increasing impact of geopolitical events on the world of sports. Formula 1, like other global sporting organizations, is forced to navigate a complex landscape where political instability can disrupt even the most carefully laid plans. The sport’s commitment to safety and the well-being of its participants ultimately took precedence over the commercial and sporting considerations.