F1 confirms choice on Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix as assertion launched
Formula One has announced that the upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, scheduled for next month, will not proceed. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated that the sport “will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first”.
The conflict in the between the US and Iran had already cast significant doubt over the rounds on April 12 and 19, and both were officially cancelled ahead of Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix.
This leaves a five-week gap in the F1 calendar between the third round of the new season in Japan on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3. It seems likely to reduce this season’s race count from 24 to 22 – although it was not completely dismissed that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia events could be rescheduled later this year.
A statement from F1’s governing body, the FIA, read: “It has been confirmed today that, after careful evaluations, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April.
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“While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April. The FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds will also not take place during their scheduled times.
“The decision has been taken in full consultation with Formula One Group, local promoters and our member clubs in the region.”
Ben Sulayem said: “The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first. After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind.
“We continue to hope for calm, safety and a swift return to stability in the region, and my thoughts remain with all those affected by these recent events.
(Image: Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
“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.”
Further races are scheduled in the region in Qatar on November 29 and the final round of the season in Abu Dhabi a week later. F1 bosses remain optimistic that these two races will proceed as planned.
Speaking earlier this week, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton supported F1’s ability to make the correct decision.
Hamilton, who will start from third on the grid in China on Sunday, said: “I know that (F1 CEO) Stefano (Domenicali) will do what is right for all of us and the sport. That is the great thing with having a great leader like him.”
