Formula 1 could go a month without races if Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are cancelled

There isn’t much time left before a decision has to be made on Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, countries that have been drawn into the war with Iran. At this moment, it is simply impossible to hold races there because staff safety cannot be guaranteed, and all F1 cargo cannot be shipped.

The Formula 1 organisation and the FIA are currently considering every conceivable scenario, including what to do if the Middle East is not available for a race.

As GPblog revealed last week, it will be particularly difficult to find an alternative venue for one or two Grands Prix. This website was already able to report that the much-mentioned alternative in Portugal is, in principle, not available, because the Portimao circuit is fully booked for weeks in April.

Imola is also being floated as a potential replacement. The management of this circuit would love to host Formula 1 again, but it would also be particularly difficult to come in April. GPblog explained that it might be possible, but due to the World Endurance Championship (WEC), it would be very difficult—if not virtually impossible.

There are hardly any other viable options in Europe. The Istanbul circuit is not ready for a quick Formula 1 return, while in Germany—for example, Hockenheim—there is no budget for a Grand Prix.

Undoubtedly, Formula 1 will consider a possible fallback option, but no one should be surprised if the only outcome is that no Grands Prix are held at all in April.

It’s worth emphasising again: GPblog hears in Melbourne that no decision has been made yet. Not about a potential cancellation, nor about whether to opt for a replacement race—although that appears extremely challenging. And if no other Grand Prix is added, F1 may be facing a long break.