Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia scheduled for April will not take place due to the security situation in the Middle East, the championship organizers and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) announced.
The decision was announced on the eve of the Chinese Grand Prix. Formula 1 explained that it had abandoned the race due to the escalation of the conflict in the region after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent response, during which Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were also hit.
The series also noted that it had considered various options for calendar changes. Still, they ultimately decided not to make any during this period.
The races were to be held on April 12 in Bahrain and April 19 in the Saudi city of Jeddah.
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali called the decision forced.