Formula 1 rules out additional Grand Prix due to ongoing war

Formula One Management (FOM) and the Formula 1 teams discussed the calendar for the current season last week, which has been upended due to the war in the Middle East. A few weeks ago it appeared that a race in Bahrain would still take place, after the situation in the region had calmed somewhat following a sort of truce between the United States and Iran. That race was supposed to be held on the first weekend of October, between the Grands Prix of Baku and Singapore.

But the announcement expected by the F1 teams in the week before the Belgian Grand Prix never came because hostilities in the area had resumed. The teams have now been informed in Spa last weekend that there will be no race in Bahrain. With fighting in the Middle East flaring up again, it is impractical to send F1 to the region. In any case, there is no certainty that there will be peace by early October.

No decision has yet been made regarding the Grands Prix of Qatar and Abu Dhabi, which are scheduled at the end of the season. The more time passes, the less likely it is that these races will serve as the season finale. FOM continues to look for alternatives, with Portugal’s Portimao still the most logical replacement for at least one Grand Prix.

A second Grand Prix in Baku is also being considered; a race that would follow one week after the first. That would fall on the weekend when Bahrain was supposed to return to the calendar.

FOM is postponing the decision on the season finale for as long as possible. The organisation would prefer to go to the Middle East, in part because of the massive contracts with local promoters. If Formula 1 does not go to Qatar and Abu Dhabi, it would again be a significant hit to revenues.