F1 cancels Bahrain, Saudi Arabia races due to Iran war - ESPN

Formula 1 confirmed on Saturday that April's races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have be canceled due to the war in Iran.

The conflict had already placed the rounds on April 12 and April 19 in major doubt and they were both officially canceled ahead of Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix.

It leaves F1 with a five-week void between the third round of the new season in Japan on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, and looks likely to reduce the number of races this season from 24 to 22 — although it was not entirely ruled out that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia events could be run at another stage this year.

«While this was a difficult decision to take, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East,» Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, said in a statement.

«I want to take this opportunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their support and total understanding as they were looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion. We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so.»

A statement from F1 read: «It has been confirmed today that, after careful evaluations, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April.

»While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April. The FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds will also not take place during their scheduled times. The decision has been taken in full consultation with Formula One Group, local promoters and our Member Clubs in the region."

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA president, said in the