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Agence France-Presse

Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been cancelled as the Middle East war engulfs the region, motorsport’s governing body the FIA announced on Saturday.
“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,” the International Automobile Federation (FIA) said in a statement.
“While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April.
“The decision has been taken in full consultation with Formula One Group, local promoters and our member clubs in the region.”
Bahrain had been scheduled as the fourth Grand Prix this season to take place on April 10-12, with the Saudi race a week later.
The Gulf has been battered by two weeks of Iranian drone and missile attacks after the United States and Israel started their war on Iran.

Bahrain, a short hop over the Gulf sea from Iran, has been targeted with frequent attacks that have hit buildings and a refinery, as well as its large US military base.
Saudi Arabia has also weathered scores of strikes, some of them targeting the oil infrastructure that is crucial for the world’s biggest exporter of crude.
“The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first,” FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said.
“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.
“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.
“My sincere thanks to the promoters, our partners, and our colleagues across the championship for the collaborative and constructive approach that has led to this decision.”
Kimi Antonelli took pole position for Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix ahead of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton and was asked in Shanghai about the possible cancellation of the Middle East races.
“My thoughts, and I think it’s the same for Lewis and George, are with the ones that are suffering from this situation,” the 19-year-old Mercedes driver said.
“Formula 1 and the FIA, they will handle the situation the best way possible in order to guarantee everyone’s safety.”
The Japanese Grand Prix will take place on March 27-29 with the following Formula 1 race now slated for the Miami Grand Prix on May 1-3.
Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds will also not take place during their scheduled slots in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Neighbouring Qatar has also been targeted, with the first round of the World Endurance Championship scheduled for March 26-28 now postponed until October.


Formula 1 cancels races in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia due to conflict in Middle East

Chinese Grand Prix: Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli youngest to take Formula 1 pole position

Formula 1: George Russell wins ‘pretty fun’ sprint race for Mercedes at Chinese Grand Prix

Formula 1 races in Bahrain, Saudi ‘cancelled or postponed’, sources say

Formula One (F1)

Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton during qualifying in Saudi Arabia in 2025. Photo: Reuters

Kimi Antonelli, who is on pole for the Chinese Grand Prix, said: “My thoughts ... are with the ones that are suffering”. Photo: AP

Hong Kong to field strongest team for ‘hardest of the season’ UCI Track World Cup

Hong Kong head coach Hervé Dagorne (extreme right) says the team “really need to be at our best” to do well at the UCI Track World Cup in Hong Kong next month. Photo: HKCA

Ceci Lee and Charles Ng expect strong competition from world-class riders in Hong Kong. Photo: HKCA

Ceci Lee (right) won bronze in the omnium event in Perth, behind winner Anita Stenberg (centre) and runner-up Tsuyaka Uchino. Photo: CAHKC

Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli celebrates after qualifying in pole position for Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit. Photo: Reuters

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli on his way to setting the fastest time during qualifying. Photo: EPA

Kimi Antonelli (left) is greeted by Lewis Hamilton after getting pole position. Photo: AP

Sport

Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds will also not take place during their scheduled slots in the countries


Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds will also not take place during their scheduled slots in the countries.


Lewis Hamilton

Formula 1 cancels races in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia due to conflict in Middle East

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds will also not take place during their scheduled slots in the countries

Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds will also not take place during their scheduled slots in the countries