Bahrain: In a significant development for global motorsport, Formula One has officially cancelled the upcoming races in Bahrain and Jeddah, citing ongoing unrest and safety concerns in the Middle East region.
The Bahrain Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April 12, and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah on April 19, will no longer take place this year. The decision was jointly taken by Formula One and its governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, prioritizing the safety of teams, drivers, and all stakeholders.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated that the organization remains committed to ensuring the wellbeing of the global racing community. He also confirmed that support events, including Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 Academy races, have been cancelled alongside the main events.
Despite the cancellations, both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia remain key destinations in the Formula One calendar, and their long-term importance to the sport’s global ecosystem was emphasized.
Looking ahead, the next race in the region is scheduled to take place in Qatar on November 29, followed by the season finale in Abu Dhabi, which are currently expected to proceed as planned.
Following the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29, the Formula One calendar will see a five-week break before resuming with the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
The cancellations highlight the growing impact of geopolitical tensions on international sporting events, as organizers continue to adapt schedules to ensure safety while maintaining the integrity of the global racing calendar.