MELBOURNE, Australia — The upcoming Formula 1 events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia this April face significant risk of cancellation due to the U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran.
F1 is scheduled to visit the Middle East for the fourth and fifth rounds of the new season, with races planned in Bahrain on April 12 and in Saudi Arabia a week later on April 19.
Both nations are among the Gulf states that have been targeted in retaliatory actions by Iran.
F1 chief Stefano Domenicali is set to meet with the teams on Saturday, with the status of both races likely to be a primary topic of discussion.
A U.S. naval base and residential areas in Bahrain’s capital, Manama, were struck just a week after Formula 1 had conducted preseason testing at the same venue that is slated to host the race. Many teams typically stay in Manama for the event.
Some F1 team members were still present in the country for a Pirelli tire test at the circuit, which was later called off.
Given the logistics of the freight that moves between races, F1 has at least another week before a decision must be made. It is more probable that an announcement will follow next week’s Chinese Grand Prix.
Several high-ranking F1 officials have informed ESPN that they are quite skeptical about the feasibility of either race proceeding, and there is an increasing sentiment within the Albert Park paddock that the races will be canceled.
This would create a month-long interval between the Japanese Grand Prix on April 29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
ESPN has learned that it is improbable another circuit would be utilized to host a replacement race due to the limited time available for preparation.
The ongoing conflict has already complicated F1’s opening race, the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, due to disruptions and cancellations affecting flights that teams were taking through the Middle East to Melbourne, which means the teams have not yet had a thorough discussion regarding the April races.
Domenicali stated to Sky Sports on Friday: “Our primary focus is the safety of all relevant stakeholders, including the people and the [race] promoter. We prefer not to make any statements today because the situation is evolving and changing, allowing us time to make the appropriate decision. This decision will be made collectively.”
“We have an open option available. Naturally, it is all linked to the evolving risks that we need to manage. All options remain viable, and at the right moment, we will make a decision, involving everyone.”
McLaren CEO Zak Brown remarked: “There has been minimal communication regarding this matter thus far due to the effort required to arrive here in Australia. Clearly, the sport, ourselves, the fans, the partners, and our race team will all be of utmost importance from a safety perspective. We must observe how the situation unfolds and will make the right decision for the well-being of everyone involved in the sport.”
Regarding the anticipated discussions with F1, Brown indicated that several factors will be taken into account.
When questioned about the financial implications and salary cap effects for teams if two races are canceled, he responded: “It all depends. Will the races be replaced? Will they be postponed? And the economics surrounding that.”
“However, considering the current situation, we are not overly concerned… if there is a slight financial impact, so be it, given the circumstances.”
Sources have downplayed the possibility of rescheduling either race for later in the year as well.
Not only is there limited availability in a 24-race season extending until December 6 and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which pays a premium to host the season finale, but there are also sporting considerations to take into account.
With no certainty regarding when the conflict will conclude or whether there will be escalations in the future, F1 aims to avoid a scenario where a championship is determined or influenced by a race cancellation at the end of the calendar.
As for filling the gap that would be created with other circuits, options are believed to be limited as well.
The Imola circuit did host a race around the same time last season, but it is understood that the circuit would not have sufficient turnaround time to prepare on short notice this time.
Turkey’s Istanbul circuit has been mentioned as a potential backup to replace the new Madrid Grand Prix this year if it is not ready in time, but ESPN has been informed by sources familiar with the calendar and the status of potential new venues that these reports have significantly exaggerated Istanbul Park’s readiness to return as a race host at this time.
Source: espn.com
