Formula One races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are cancelled or postponed due to regional conflict, with safety cited as the priority.

RIYADH: Formula One races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will be cancelled or rescheduled due to the escalating Middle East conflict.

A source with knowledge of the matter confirmed the decision to AFP, requesting anonymity to discuss the sensitive topic.

“The F1 in Saudi and Bahrain won’t happen at their scheduled time,” the source stated.

The source added that Formula One will soon announce the races “have been cancelled or postponed to a later date”.

The Bahrain Grand Prix was scheduled for April 10-12, with the Saudi Arabian race set for the following week.

The Gulf region has faced two weeks of Iranian drone and missile attacks.

Bahrain, located a short distance from Iran across the Gulf, has suffered frequent attacks hitting buildings, a refinery, and its large US base.

Saudi Arabia has also endured numerous strikes, some targeting its crucial oil infrastructure.

Neighbouring Qatar has also been attacked, leading to the postponement of a World Endurance Championship round.

The International Automobile Federation stated “the current geopolitical instability in the Middle East obliged the postponement of the Qatari contest”.

That event is now rescheduled for October 22-24.

The FIA emphasised that “the safety and security of competitors, personnel and fans remain of the utmost importance”.

It added that all parties will continue monitoring regional developments.

 The Sun Malaysia