US strikes on Iran force F1 event cancellation as Lewis Hamilton replacement affected

After the USA and Israel’s attacks on Iran, an F1 event in Bahrain has been cancelled amid the escalating events in the Middle East and Gulf regions

View 2 Images

A US air base in Bahrain has been struck by an Iranian missile(Image: Anadolu, Anadolu via Getty Images)

F1 tyre provider Pirelli has called off their two-day wet tyre test in Bahrain due to the escalating tensions in the Middle East following the USA and Israel’s attacks on Iran. Today, US president Donald Trump confirmed “major combat operations” had been initiated against Iran, leading to explosions being heard across the nation.

In response, Iran has launched missile strikes against several US bases, including a naval facility near the Bahraini capital of Manama, which is situated approximately 30km from the Bahrain International Circuit. With the conflict intensifying and changing, Pirelli decided to cancel their plans in Sakhir, where both Mercedes and McLaren had reportedly provided mule cars for the test.

One of the drivers scheduled to test the tyres in Bahrain was Frederik Vesti, who stepped in for Lewis Hamilton at the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix free practice session to meet the team’s compulsory rookie driver session requirement.

Pirelli stated in a comment to PlanetF1.com: “The two days of development tests for wet-weather compounds, scheduled for today and tomorrow at the Bahrain International Circuit, have been cancelled for security reasons following the evolving international situation.

“All Pirelli personnel currently in Manama are safe in their hotels. The company is working to ensure their safety and arrange their return to Italy and the UK as soon as possible.”

It’s also understood the FIA, alongside Formula One Management, are closely monitoring developments in the region. In April, the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix are scheduled to take place.

It’s also reported by PlanetF1 numerous personnel within F1 teams are considering altering their travel plans for the forthcoming F1 season opener, the Australian Grand Prix.

Many involved had been intending to pass through nations in the Gulf region on their way to Melbourne.

According to the BBC, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan and Kuwait have all claimed to have intercepted missiles in their airspace.

View 2 Images

Frederick Vesti was expected to be taking part in Bahrain(Image: Getty)

The US has approximately 13 military bases throughout the Middle East and Gulf countries, with between 30,000 and 40,000 troops stationed across all of them.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has already stated they are targeting US bases and assets as part of their retaliation. In response to the ongoing conflicts, Formula One Management also released a statement.

They said: “Our next three races are in Australia, China and Japan not in the Middle East. those races are not for a number of weeks.

“As always we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities.”