New Headline: "Iran's F1 Rivalry Takes a Turn for the Worse Amidst Rising Political Hostilities

Formula 1 is preparing to cancel April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia because of the Iran war , creating a five-week gap in the series schedule leading into the Miami Grand Prix , according to multiple reports. The two countries have been struck as fighting continues involving Iran, the United States and Israel. F1 is facing an imminent deadline to determine whether the Bahrain race (April 12) and Saudi event (April 19) could go on as planned.

Teams need time to send freight in advance. The BBC reported the cancellations are “inevitable,” which would cut the 2026 series schedule from 24 races to 22. After the March 15 race in China and March 29 event in Japan, there would be no Grand Prix race until Miami on May 3, leaving a major gap in the schedule for Apple TV, which is in its first year televising the series.

More Miami Grand Prix: Miami, Formula 1 made for each other as Grand Prix proves once more | Habib Reports say it’s unlikely F1 can create an alternate plan to fill the gap, nor is it likely that the two races in question could be moved to the back end of the year. The BBC said officials considered tracks in Portugal, Italy and Istanbul but decided against it. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, speaking to reporters in Shanghai, said he’s confident in what CEO Stefano Domenicali decides to do.

“I know that Stefano will do what is right for all of us and the sport,” Hamilton said. “That is the great thing with having a great leader like him. ” This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: F1 races in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia may be canceled due to Iran war