As Middle East tensions intensify following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Formula 1 is unlikely to find last-minute substitutes for the threatened Bahrain (April 12) and Saudi Arabian (April 19) Grands Prix, prioritizing safety over maintaining a full 24-race calendar despite teams' revenue concerns. This follows earlier disruptions including a cancelled Pirelli test and travel chaos.
Building on initial contingency plans for European venues like Imola, Portimão, and Paul Ricard—which are now seen as logistically suboptimal—the series has flexibility having exceeded broadcast requirements, reducing incentive for costly replacements.
Ongoing conflict has caused flight delays and cancellations for personnel heading to the Australian Grand Prix, with some teams routing via Egypt, the UK, and Tanzania to bypass Gulf airspace. UK Foreign Office travel warnings complicate insurance for the races, which form a triple-header with Las Vegas.
Freight must ship post-Japanese GP (March 29), pressuring a decision. Options like double-headers at Suzuka or revivals at Imola/Portimão face commercial hurdles, unlike COVID-era adaptations. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem stressed safety, while McLaren CEO Zak Brown noted: "Obviously the sport ourselves, the fans, the partners, our race team – all that will be of the utmost importance from a safety point of view." On finances: "I think given what's going on, we're not bothered if it does have a little bit of a financial impact."
The issue tops F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali's Saturday meeting with team principals in Australia. Losing both races would gap the calendar from March 29 to May 3, but paddock sources indicate acceptance without de-escalation.
