Formula 1’s decision on the future of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs is expected to happen in the coming days. With the races in the midst of conflicts between the United States, Israel, and Iran, it is expected that the category will opt for the cancellation of both events and announce it soon.
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The premier category of motorsport and the FIA are racing against time to make a final decision on the races. The first option would be to replace both with rounds in Europe – Italy and Portugal were expected – but logistics and the short timeframe are complicating factors for organizing the change.
There is also the financial aspect of the whole situation. Taking the cars, teams, and all equipment to a European circuit at the last minute would result in a significant extra cost for everyone in the paddock, in addition to considering the amounts already paid for the rounds in the Middle East.
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Therefore, considering all solutions and also safety, the announcement of the cancellation of the GPs in Sakhir and Jeddah is already well underway, expected to happen later this week, before the Chinese GP.
And if the cancellations are confirmed, Formula 1 will spend an entire month without races, as both were scheduled for April – Bahrain between April 10 and 12 and Saudi Arabia between April 17 and 19.
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