The Formula 1 racing events scheduled to take place in Bahrain on April 12 and Saudi Arabia on April 19 have been canceled, as reported by Iltalehti, referencing Sky Sports and German publication Bild. Although F1 has yet to officially confirm this cancellation, sources indicate that the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East prompted the decision. Recent missile and drone strikes from Iran towards Bahrain have raised significant concerns about the safety of holding racing events in the region.

The cancellations were reportedly expected by the F1 paddock, where there was skepticism about whether even a potential ceasefire would enable the safe organization of the races. Discussions are currently ongoing regarding who will bear the financial losses resulting from these cancellations, with the organization of the Bahrain Grand Prix alone estimated to cost around 35 million euros. This financial impact will be a key issue for stakeholders affected by the decision.

Saudi Arabia has been desperately trying to ensure that its race could proceed, even offering F1 team personnel charter flights to the event location. Despite the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races resulting in an unobstructed April calendar for the F1 season, the series will continue with races scheduled in China this weekend and in Japan at the end of March, which illustrates the ongoing complexities and challenges in hosting international sporting events amid geopolitical tensions.