What F1 are planning with two Grands Prix if Middle East conflict forces them to cancel

Formula One will make a decision by March 20 on the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, with reports claiming the races will not be replaced if cancelled

View 2 Images

Formula 1 chiefs are reportedly expected to make a decision regarding the two Grands Prix as the Middle East conflict continues.(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

Formula One is poised to make a decision regarding the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, it’s been suggested that they won’t be replaced if they’re cancelled.

The war in the Middle East is nearing its seventh day following an attack on Iran by the United States and Israel. Iran has since retaliated, targeting neighbouring states in the Gulf; as part of their assault, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have had missiles enter their airspace.

This has cast doubt over part of the F1 calendar with the season set to kick off this weekend in Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix.

Sky Sports have reported that a decision will be made by 20 March at the latest regarding the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, scheduled for 10-12 April and 17-19 April respectively.

But if they are cancelled due to the conflict, it’s been stated that they won’t be replaced.

If the two Middle East Grand Prix are cancelled, there will be a break from 29 March, the end of the Japan Grand Prix, until 1 May when preparations begin in Miami, Florida.

F1 president Stefano Domenicali told Sky Sports: “First of all, our approach first of all is safety for all of the relevant stakeholders, people and the promoter itself. “We don’t want to do any statement today because things are evolving and we still have time to make the right decision.

“This decision will be taken together. So far, we want to keep quiet and calm and make sure we have the right time to make the right decision – as we did in the past.

View 2 Images

Lewis Hamilton last won the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2021.(Image: Getty Images)

“It has not been an easy week,” he continued. “When we saw the things happening, of course, we had people in Dubai and Bahrain for a Pirelli test which we had to cancel. We had people in Doha.

“We had a lot of flights booked through the Middle East, so it has been a very intense couple of days to reschedule everything with the help of the governments. We had a special programme to take all of the people in this region out, which was a challenge, therefore to be here is a great success.

“People sometimes believe it’s just 30 or 40 people in a team. We have 3000 people who have to move around the world. It’s a big beast.”