Following the recent escalations of conflict in the Middle East, Formula 1 races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have been cancelled. The decision from the FIA has come after an extended period of speculation, and clips of drivers discussing the race cancellations. The track in Bahrain track is very close to an airbase and there were prior disruptions in equipment transportation from pre-season testing to the first race in Melbourne — the FIA has therefore confirmed that there will be no races in April in Formula 1, 2, 3 or F1 Academy. Only a few weeks out from the scheduled Grand Prix dates, the short time frame has resulted in an inability to replace them with other races.
The cancellation of these races does allow for the reconsideration of whether they should have a place on the Formula 1 calendar. It shouldn’t come down to a conflict like this to address public safety concerns — public welfare should have been a consideration long before this, especially considering exploitation is a key factor in the profitability for the FIA in maintaining these races. These races are considered to be some of the most controversial and politicised on the F1 calendar. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are such high investors in F1, while their economies are built on modern slavery and exploitation of migrant workers. Nonetheless, these tracks stay in the calendar through investment and distracting glamourisation, for example by inviting celebrities to races.
The decision for cancellation was not met with much dismay from fans. While not as attractive or as profitable in the eyes of the FIA, there is the potential for the return of well known and loved tracks that weren’t scheduled on the calendar this year. The tracks discussed, such as Italy, Turkey and Portugal, could act as temporary or permanent replacements.
The races being cancelled does not massively impact the season, with F1 only recently adopting a 24 race calendar. We last saw a 22 race season in 2022, but recent events do bring into conversation the politics of these races holding a place on the calendar. These Grands Prix have been contested by fans since they were added, with focus on the issue fluctuating throughout the years — the discussion peaked when they were first added and when Lewis Hamilton wore a pride themed helmet to the 2023 Grand Prix in Bahrain, protesting LGBT rights while fans brought up concerns for broader welfare and human rights.
A 22 race season does not greatly impact the wider fanbase, but I’m sure many would consider a possible move away from these races to be a good choice.