Gulf Grands Prix shift from fast track to No-Go as crisis halts F1 double-header

Formula 1 and the FIA have announced that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not be held in April due to escalating security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The decision was revealed early Sunday in Shanghai ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix.

The race in Bahrain was scheduled for April 12, followed by the Saudi Arabian round in Jeddah on April 19. Officials cited regional instability after recent military exchanges involving the United States and Israel, and Iran’s subsequent retaliatory strikes affecting nearby areas.

F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali described the move as a “difficult but necessary” decision , stressing that safety remains paramount . FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem echoed the sentiment, saying the governing body must prioritize the well-being of teams, staff, and fans .

Neither organization used the terms “cancellation” or “postponement,” leaving open the possibility that the races could be rescheduled later in the season. However, F1’s tightly packed calendar offers few replacement dates . The change creates a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.

The disruption underscores the growing geopolitical risks facing global sporting events , particularly in regions where major powers’ rivalries intersect. In recent years, F1 has expanded aggressively into the Middle East, drawn by lucrative hosting deals and modern infrastructure . Yet the region’s volatility from conflicts to airspace restrictions has repeatedly tested the sport’s logistical resilience and risk tolerance .

For now, teams and organizers say they will monitor developments closely, hoping conditions will stabilize enough to restore two of the championship’s most prominent early-season races .