Overview
- Reporting indicates a March 20 cutoff for a final call on Bahrain, after which moving staff and equipment for the April 12 race would be impractical.
- The following Jeddah round on April 19 is also uncertain, with Saudi hosts said to be lobbying to proceed and offering dedicated flights for teams and personnel.
- If Bahrain and Saudi Arabia drop off the calendar, Formula 1 is reportedly not planning replacements because broadcast deals ensure a minimum of 22 races.
- In Shanghai sprint qualifying, George Russell took pole ahead of Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, with Lando Norris third and Max Verstappen only eighth after complaining of balance and grip issues.
- Cadillac withdrew Sergio Pérez from sprint qualifying due to a fuel-system problem, and Ferrari tested but did not run its rotating rear wing for the session.