Sports

F1 cancels Bahrain GP, ​​Saudi Arabia following tensions in West Asia

ISTANBUL: Formula One (F1) confirmed early Sunday that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (GP) races will not take place in April due to rising tensions in the Middle East following the United States (US) and Israel’s conflict with Iran, Anadolu Agency reported.

In a statement, F1 said several alternatives were considered, but it was ultimately decided that no replacement race would be held in April.

“Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy races will also not take place as scheduled. This decision was made through full consultation with the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and relevant organizers,” the statement said.

Formula One Group President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said the decision was difficult but the right move considering the current situation in West Asia.

“Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are very important to our racing season ecosystem, and I hope to return to both countries as soon as conditions allow,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Bahrain International Circuit CEO Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa expressed his support for F1’s decision and thanked the FIA ​​and the F1 community. He said Bahrain looks forward to welcoming fans back when F1 races resume.

Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and Chairman of the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, said the Saudi Arabian government respects the decision of the 2026 F1 calendar and affirms its continued partnership with F1.

Since Israel and the US launched a joint attack on Iran on Feb 28, which killed about 1,200 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, hostilities have escalated.

Iran then responded by launching drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and several Gulf countries that host US military assets.

— BERNAMA-ANADOLU

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