Overview
- Multiple outlets including ESPN, Sky Sports and Reuters report the April 12 Bahrain and April 19 Jeddah rounds will be called off, with an announcement anticipated this weekend or by Monday.
- The calendar would drop from 24 to 22 races, creating a five‑week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and Miami on May 3 with no events in April.
- Safety concerns stem from Iranian missile and drone strikes hitting Gulf cities, disrupted travel hubs and freight risks through the Strait of Hormuz, with a March 20 shipping deadline forcing an early decision.
- Replacement races are viewed as impractical despite discussions about European venues, and team figures including Lewis Hamilton have backed leadership to prioritize safety.
- Financial and cross-series repercussions are significant, with media estimating losses near £100m and the WEC’s Qatar opener already postponed to October as the FIA stresses safety in public statements.