Formula 1 cancels races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to Iran war

Formula 1 is officially canceling two upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to the Iran war and the widening conflict in the Middle East, it announced Saturday.

The Bahrain Grand Prix was scheduled for April 12, and the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix for April 19.

“While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April,” said a joint press release by F1’s commercial side and governing body, FIA.

NBC News had reported Friday that the races were expected to be canceled, based on sources familiar with the matter, with an announcement possible this weekend.

“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 CEO Stefano Domenicali said, while thanking the would-be hosts. “We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so.”

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added, “The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first. After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind.”

The decision leaves a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 28 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, a commercial hit to the sport and a blow for fans.

The F1 and FIA officials added that the races for Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy that were also scheduled in those countries similarly won’t take place.