Formula 1 is set to cancel the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix scheduled for next month due to the ongoing Middle East war. A formal decision is expected by the weekend as the conflict between the US/Israel and Iran shows no signs of resolution. The races would have taken place on April 12 in Bahrain and the following weekend in Jeddah.

Freight shipments to the Middle East were due to begin in coming days, but the safety of personnel has become a major concern. Neither event will be replaced, reducing the season to 22 grands prix. This cancellation will cost F1 more than £100m in lost hosting fees, as Bahrain and Saudi Arabia pay among the highest rates in the sport.

The decision creates a five-week gap in the calendar after the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and Miami on May 3. Alternative venues including Portimao, Imola, and Istanbul Park were considered but deemed impractical due to time constraints and the inability to secure hosting fees.