Formula 1 has practically ruled out the possibility of including substitute races in Europe, should the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs have to be cancelled due to the crisis in the Middle East. According to information from GPblog, practically everyone in the category’s paddock believes that these stages will not be held.
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This decision not to seek alternatives is based mainly on financial issues. Transporting cars, teams and all equipment to a European circuit at the last minute would represent a significant extra cost for the teams, in addition to the amounts already invested in the stages in the Middle East.
Circuits like Imola and Portimão were even mentioned as possible replacement venues, but these circuits do not have availability to host F1 races in April. Furthermore, adjusting dates for support categories and ensuring accommodation for all teams would be complicated and quite expensive, especially in the south of Portugal, where hotel demand would drive costs even higher.
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Even if European circuits were willing to host Formula 1, the amounts charged as an emergency solution would hardly be compatible with the category’s budget. Therefore, the alternative becomes unattractive for both organizers and teams.
The final decision has not yet been officially confirmed, but it is increasingly likely that, during the month of April, no GP will be held in either the Middle East or Europe.
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