Middle-East Crisis: F1 cancels two upcoming races in Middle East

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix events have officially been cancelled, Formula One has announced.

They were initially scheduled for 12 April and 19 April respectively.

In a statement, Formula One says the cancellation is due to the “ongoing situation in the Middle East” and while alternatives were considered, no substitutions will be made for the races.

The cancellations mean there will be a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on 27-29 March and Miami on 1-3 May.

“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,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.