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Formula One has reportedly postponed a decision on whether to cancel its April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, as regional tensions escalate.
Both countries have been targeted in retaliatory strikes from Iran, following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, casting doubt over the events.
The Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled for April 12, with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah set for April 19.
Media reports had previously indicated a decision was expected during this weekend’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Formula 1 officials met on Friday at Albert Park in Melbourne, and Racing Bulls chief executive Peter Bayer said no decision had been made and there is no deadline in place.
Stefano Domenicali walks down the F1 Paddock ahead of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park, in Melbourne, Australia (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
“What we said is, first of all, it’s still a month to go,” Bayer said. “Secondly, it’s also difficult to talk about it because I’m really sorry for the people and the situation (in the Middle East). But I also have to say that we are so focused on (racing) here, which is, for us now, really what matters at the moment.
“And I know Stefano (Domenicali, F1’s president and CEO), and the FIA, they’re monitoring the situation. And I trust they make the right decision for us as a team.”
Bahrain had already hosted two preseason F1 tests this season before the attacks were launched on Iran. A smaller-scale test of wet-weather tires was called off in the immediate aftermath of those strikes.
F1’s governing body, the FIA, has already postponed the Qatar curtain raiser for top sportscar category, the World Endurance Championship, that was slated to be held on March 26-28.
The last time a scheduled F1 race was canceled was in 2023, when the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in northern Italy was called off at short notice due to deadly floods in the area.
In 2022, F1 continued with its race weekend in Saudi Arabia even after Yemen’s Houthi rebels attacked an oil depot during a practice session, with black smoke visible from the Jeddah circuit.
The same year, F1 canceled the Russian Grand Prix’s contract after Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine.
