New Headline: Bahrain & Saudi Arabia Unveil 2023 F1 Schedule Amidst Iran Uncertainty
Italian Formula One driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Team Merecedes drives during practice ahead of the Forumula One Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai International Circuit. Poly Fei/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix in April have been scrapped due to the Iran war, Formula One announced on Saturday, but organizers have left the door open for the events to happen later in the 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," F1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali said in a statement.
"We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so. " It had been widely reported that the races would be cancelled and there would be 22 grands prix this season instead of 24. But the wording of the F1 statement suggests the world's top motorsport series may try to go to the two money-spinning nations later in the season if the Iran war subsides.
"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," it read. The word cancellation was not used. The Bahrain Grand Prix had been scheduled for April 12 in Sakhir and the Saudi race a week later in Jeddah.
Two nations support or respect decision Israel and the United States started attacking Iran in late February and Tehran has hit back by striking neighbouring countries including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Portugal and Italy's Imola were reported in the media as potential replacement venues, but adding races at such short notice was not doable. "While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April," the F1 statement said.
There will now be a five-week break between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and the Miami race on May 3. The season started last weekend in Australia and the second race is on Sunday in China. The only realistic periods in which the Bahrain and Saudi races could be rearranged would appear to be the usual F1 mid-season break in early August or right at the end of the season in December.