Two F1 races 'under threat' as FIA handed deadline to cancel Grand Prix
The US-Israel conflict with Iran has placed two Formula One races at risk of being cancelled.
Two Formula One races are reportedly under threat as a result of the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Air strikes and missiles have been launched in recent weeks as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, with consequences impacting the sporting world as a result.
Doubts had been cast over the Australian Grand Prix, F1's season-opener, but the race looks set to go ahead with drivers and staff in Melbourne. But future races in both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia may be affected, depending on the scale of damage in surrounding areas.
The BBC claim that both races are at risk of being cancelled as F1 and the FIA continue to monitor the situation.
Bahrain host F1's fourth race of the season across the April 10-12 weekend, with Saudi Arabia the venue for the next Grand Prix a week later.
A statement from F1 said: "Our next three races are in Australia, China and Japan not in the Middle East - those races are not for a number of weeks.
"As always we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities and will always prioritise the safety and security of all those in the sport."
However, F1 has to make a decision in the next two weeks on whether races in Bahrain and Saudi will be scrapped, as equipment needs to be transported to the two countries ahead of time.
If the two races are cancelled, it is unlikely that they will be rescheduled for the 2026 season, with the calendar congested and no obvious room to put two more events in.
Several other venues have been suggested as a replacement this Spring, including Portugal, Italy or Turkey. But there is not thought to be enough time to organise a Grand Prix at such short notice.
If the conflict is ongoing at the time when races are scheduled to take place in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, it is thought to be unlikely that they will go ahead.
Tennis' ATP organisation has been forced to cancel a challenger event in Abu Dhabi when a missile was intercepted nearby, with players flown out of the Middle East by the governing body.
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