Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs cancelled due to the ongoing Middle East conflict

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs are now cancelled, with an announcement to follow over the next 48 hours, this website has learned.

Ahead of the Australian GP, the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, which were followed by retaliation. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were also targeted in Iranian strikes.

Ahead of the season opener, Mercedes and McLaren were also meant to complete a Pirelli tyre test in Bahrain, which had to be cancelled. Their crew had to spend a few days in their hotel as closed airspace made a return flight impossible as well, but luckily, they could return home safely.

The World Endurance Championship race in Qatar has been already postponed as well.

The races in Sakhir and Jeddah will not be replaced, making the season 22 races long. This also means that after the Japanese GP, the next race is set to take place on 3 May.