Middle East Puts Formula 1 on Hold
Sport
Two rounds of the Formula 1 World Championship in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will not take place in April due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, according to the series organizers and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).
In an official statement, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile said several alternative venues had been considered, but the championship ultimately decided to leave April without races in the Formula 1 calendar.
The fourth round of the season was originally scheduled for April 12 at the Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, followed a week later by a race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit street circuit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Both races are considered significant sources of revenue for the championship. Estimates suggest Bahrain pays around $45 million annually to host its Grand Prix, while Saudi Arabia likely pays even more. Both countries are also major investors in Formula 1.
The regional tensions have also affected other motorsport events. Organizers of the MotoGP race in Qatar announced that the Qatar MotoGP Grand Prix, originally scheduled for next month, has been postponed until November.
The fourth round of the season was originally scheduled for April 12 at the Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, followed a week later by a race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit street circuit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Both races are considered significant sources of revenue for the championship. Estimates suggest Bahrain pays around $45 million annually to host its Grand Prix, while Saudi Arabia likely pays even more. Both countries are also major investors in Formula 1.
The regional tensions have also affected other motorsport events. Organizers of the MotoGP race in Qatar announced that the Qatar MotoGP Grand Prix, originally scheduled for next month, has been postponed until November.
Powered by Froala Editor