Formula 1 races in Bahrain, Saudi ‘cancelled or postponed’, sources say
Announcement expected by Monday at the latest, with conflict in Middle East showing no signs of stopping
Next month’s Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Formula 1 races are set to be cancelled over the weekend because of the conflict in the Middle East.
Multiple sources told media an announcement, seen within the sport as just a matter of time, was expected by Monday at the latest, with a March 20 deadline looming for freight that has to be transported to Bahrain for logistical reasons.
Sky Sports television, which has the broadcasting rights in Britain where most of the 11 teams are based, said it understood the races would be called off by Sunday night.
US and Israeli attacks on Iran are continuing while Iranian drones and missiles have hit some Middle Eastern capitals including Bahrain’s Manama, where most team personnel would be staying in hotels.
Formula 1 is racing in China this weekend for the second round of the season after the opener in Australia last weekend.
Sources have indicated previously that neither Middle Eastern race is likely to be replaced or rescheduled, leaving April an empty month for the series and the championship reduced to 22 rounds.