Formula One has officially cancelled the upcoming races scheduled to take place in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia this April, as the escalating conflict in the Middle East continues to destabilize the region. The decision was announced by the sport’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), on Saturday after thorough assessments of the security situation. This move marks a significant disruption to the 2024 F1 calendar, reflecting the growing concerns over safety for teams, staff, and fans amid the ongoing hostilities.
The FIA released a statement confirming that both the Bahrain Grand Prix, originally slated for April 10-12, and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, planned for the following weekend, will no longer take place as scheduled. Despite exploring various alternatives to keep the races on the calendar, the authorities concluded that no replacement events would be arranged for April. This decision was reached in close collaboration with the Formula One Group, local event promoters, and FIA member clubs within the region, emphasizing a unified approach to managing the crisis.
The Gulf region has been severely affected by a surge in military tensions over the past two weeks, primarily triggered by drone and missile attacks linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Bahrain, a small island nation located just across the Gulf from Iran, has been a frequent target of these attacks. Critical infrastructure, including residential buildings, a major refinery, and a significant US military base, have all sustained damage. Similarly, Saudi Arabia has endured numerous strikes, some of which have targeted vital oil facilities, threatening the stability of the world’s largest crude oil exporter.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem underscored the organization’s commitment to safety as the paramount concern behind the cancellations. He expressed deep regret over the situation but stressed that the wellbeing of everyone involved in the sport must come first. Sulayem conveyed hopes for a swift return to peace and stability in the region, acknowledging the importance of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to the Formula One ecosystem. He also extended gratitude to all partners and stakeholders for their cooperation during the decision-making process.
Meanwhile, drivers have also voiced their sentiments regarding the cancellations. Kimi Antonelli, who secured pole position for the Chinese Grand Prix held in Shanghai, shared his thoughts on the unfolding situation. The young Mercedes driver reflected on the hardships faced by those affected by the conflict and expressed confidence that Formula One and the FIA would manage the circumstances responsibly to ensure everyone’s safety. His comments echoed the sentiments of fellow drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, highlighting the sport’s solidarity during this challenging period.
Looking ahead, the Japanese Grand Prix remains scheduled for March 27-29, with the Miami Grand Prix now set to be the next race on the calendar from May 1-3. Additionally, the cancellations extend beyond Formula One’s premier class, as the Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 Academy events planned for Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have also been called off. The ripple effect of the conflict has reached neighboring Qatar as well, where the opening round of the World Endurance Championship (WEC), initially planned for March 26-28, has been postponed until October, further illustrating the broad impact of the regional instability on international motorsport events.
