Bahrain and Saudi F1 races set to be cancelled amid Iran war

Next month’s Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Formula One Grands Prix are set to be canceled over the weekend due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Multiple sources tell Reuters 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, says it understands that 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 One 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.

Bahrain was scheduled for April 12, with the Saudi race in Jeddah on April 19.

The Japanese Grand Prix, round three, is on March 29, with the next race then in Miami on May 3.