Formula One races scheduled to be held in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in April are set to be cancelled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

 

An announcement on the cancellation of the two Grands Prix is expected over the weekend, with sources telling an international media outlet that a decision is anticipated by Monday at the latest. March 20 is the deadline for freight that must be transported to Bahrain for logistical purposes.

 

Sky Sports, which holds Formula One broadcasting rights in Britain where most of the 11 teams are based, reported that the races are expected to be called off by Sunday night.

 

The development comes as attacks involving the United States and Israel against Iran continue, while Iranian drones and missiles have struck several capitals in the region, including Manama in Bahrain. Most Formula One team personnel were scheduled to stay in hotels in the city during the race weekend.

 

Formula One is currently in China for the second round of the season after the opening race in Australia last weekend.

 

Reports quoted sources that Bahrain nor the Saudi Arabian race is expected to be replaced or rescheduled. If confirmed, April would remain without a race on the calendar and the championship would be reduced to 22 rounds.

 

The Bahrain Grand Prix had been scheduled for April 12, while the Saudi Arabian race in Jeddah was set for April 19.

 

The next race on the calendar is the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29, followed by the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.

 

Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley said teams would follow the guidance of the sport’s governing bodies. “I think we follow the guidance of the FIA and Formula One, as we always do. They’ve always led us in the right direction,” Wheatley told reporters after practice at the Shanghai circuit.

 

“Nobody’s going to compromise on anything that would put teams into an uncomfortable situation,” he added.

 

There has been no immediate comment from Formula One, which is owned by Liberty Media, or from the sport’s governing body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA).

 

Meanwhile, the World Endurance Championship (WEC) has already postponed its season opener that was scheduled to take place in Qatar from March 26 to 28. The first race of the season is now set to be held at Italy’s Imola circuit on April 19.

 

The Qatar round at the Lusail circuit outside Doha has been rescheduled for October 24 and will take place before the season finale in Bahrain on November 7.