F1 calendar change suggested as event cancelled after Iran missile strikes

Craig Slater has suggested when the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prixcould be moved to if the FIA have to revamp their calendar due to the conflict in the Middle East. There are no indications that a decision is imminent but the Sky Sports expert has highlighted two gaps in the calendar that could be used as a new home to the fourth and fifth races of the season, if they need to have their dates changed.

Tyre supplier Pirelli cancelled their two-day test that was set to take place in Bahrain following Israel and the United States' strikes on Iran. Due to this, Iran launched a number of retaliation attacks on US bases, including one on a naval facility near the Bahraini capital of Manama - just 30km from the Bahrain International Circuit. The ongoing conflict and heightened safety concerns have led to significant doubt about upcoming GPs on the F1 calendar.

Now, Slater has given his thoughts on the situation in the Middle East and believes no drastic action will be taken. When asked how likely it is that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races take place in April, he said: "Well, I’ve been on to Formula 1 about that, and they say they are monitoring the situation, but they won’t make any knee-jerk reactions.

"They’re pointing out that there are still four or five weeks to go until those events are due to take place, and maybe there can be an amelioration of the situation, a ceasefire or a de-escalation or something along those lines.

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"However, while they’ll liaise with the governments in those territories, they have shown that they can be adaptable and fluid with the calendar in the past.

"It’s not easy to think where you slot those races back in. There is a little bit of a three-week gap in May. There’s the August summer break, but that’s very hot in the Middle East to be adding a race in there, potentially around Singapore.

"Might it be possible if they can’t run a Bahrain or a Saudi Arabia that they could slot it back in there potentially. The problem is you’ve got clusters of two races and sometimes three together. And I don’t think Formula 1 would be keen to have four weekends in a row of action because it’s just a logistical headache."

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Slater added that Bahrain would be an easier race to move in the calendar as the location is used less then Saudi Arabia's roads, which is considered a street circuit.

In terms of replacements, several circuits are trying to make their way onto the F1 calendar. The Portuguese GP is making a comeback in 2027 and could be a suggestion for this season instead.

The Turkish circuit was also last on the list in 2021, like Portugal, and may be food for thought for F1 chiefs. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has confirmed that the situation is changing constantly and that decisions will be made with everybody's safety in mind.

Sulayem said: "We are in close contact with our member clubs, championship promoters, teams and colleagues on the ground as we monitor developments carefully and responsibly.

"Safety and wellbeing will guide our decisions as we assess the forthcoming events scheduled there for the World Endurance Championship and the Formula One World Championship. Our organisation is built on unity and shared purpose. That unity matters now more than ever."