Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to be cancelled

Formula 1 is set to cancel its upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia over security concerns because of the war in the Middle East, Sky Sports News understands.

Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to be cancelled
Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to be cancelled Photo: Sky News

Sky Sports News understands neither event is likely to be replaced on this year's calendar, meaning the 2026 season would be reduced to 22 races.

Formula 1 is set to cancel its upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia over security concerns because of the war in the Middle East, Sky Sports News understands.

A grand prix was scheduled in each country next month, withBahrain'srace on 12 April andSaudi Arabia'son 19 April.

The decision is expected to be officially confirmed within the next two days.

As of writing, both events still appear on theFormula 1schedule.

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Sky Sports News understands the set-to-be-cancelledMiddle Eastraces will likely not be replaced on F1's March-December calendar, meaning the season would run to 22 Grands Prix weekends.

The outlet reported that the decision comes as the situation in the Middle East has not improved in recent days.

Both organisations declined to comment.

Formula 1 races are also set to be held in the Middle East this winter, with Grands Prix in Qatar on 29 November and Abu Dhabi on 6 December.

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Mohammed Ben Sulayem, head of the FIA, said on Monday that "safety and wellbeing" will be the main concern when deciding on whether the ⁠races will go ahead.

It comes as severalmajor banks closed their branchesin Gulf states and evacuated staff from their building in the wake of Iranian strikes.

Standard Chartered began evacuating staff from offices in Dubai and told them to work from home, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing two sources.

Citigroup, an American bank, also told its staff to evacuate offices in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Dubai's Oud Metha neighbourhood.

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JP Morgan said its employees in the Middle East would also be working from home "for the time being" but said its businesses and client servicing "remain uninterrupted".

And HSBC has closed all branches in Qatar until further notice, according to a customer ​notice, saying the measure is to ensure the safety of staff and customers.

"The safety of our colleagues and customers remains our top priority," a HSBC spokesperson said.

Source: This article was originally published by Sky News

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