Breaking News: The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix gets cancelled!
On 15th March, the FIA released an official statement stating that,
"Baharin & Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will not take place in April."
The races were set to be held on 12th and 19th April respectively and were the only races in the month of April.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1 said,
"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.
I want to take this oppurtunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their support and total understanding as they were looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion.
We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so."
Fan, drivers and officials were thinking from a long time since the situation started in the Middle east that will the Middle Eastern Grand Prix' happen or not, and were pretty relieved from the statement shared that they will be cancelled due to the safety of the drivers, fans, officials and also staff. It's a tough time over there and it is very unfortunate that the races had to be cancelled due to the ongoing situation.
For now, it's only been made public that the races will be cancelled but there is no update on whether or not they will be replaced, so i guess we'll have only 22 rounds this season.
If there is an alternative and the FIA decide to replace the races, there's a slight probability that the races might happen in the Portugal circuit (which is in the F1 Calender from 2027), or the Imola circuit but there are no official talks about that yet that are public so let's wait and see what happens.
Although some teams like McLaren, Red Bull and Williams might have an advantage like the time to improve their car in the meantime,(in the month of April) after a sketchy start of the season from them that was really not expected, but they do have the time to work on the reliability, engine, starting issues and all the fans hope that they come up with a nice car after the break, in May at the Miami Grand Prix.