F1 reviewing contingency measures as doubts surround two grands prix

Formula 1 chiefs are reviewing contingency measures should it be forced to cancel the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, RacingNews365 understands.

From an F1 perspective, the mid-April events are in the spotlight following the conflict that commenced in the Middle East over the weekend, leading to attacks on the two countries, as well as neighbouring United Arab Emirates nations, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

At this stage, however, it is understood that the situation is being dealt with calmly, in particular, as no firm decision has to be made for another two weeks. In that time, the picture may change considerably.

Regarding freight, non-critical content not required for the trio of opening races in Australia, China and Japan has remained in Bahrain following the conclusion of the two three-day pre-season tests in February.

Beyond that, freight for the first three grands prix leapfrogs. So, freight that is currently in Australia will move on to Japan, and the freight required for China will head to Bahrain, ensuring there is time to assess, avoiding a knee-jerk reaction to the critical events in the Middle East. 

Appreciably, F1 bosses are closely monitoring the situation and will make a call as and when required for the double-header, scheduled for April 10-12 in Bahrain, and 17-19 in Saudi Arabia.

To that end, and to avoid a blank month without racing in between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 27-29 and Miami on May 1-3, there are avenues F1 could explore.

Naturally, no replacement venues have been mentioned, but there would appear to be logical choices for Formula 1 should they be required, such as Imola and Portimão.

Imola was on the calendar in four of the last five years, other than 2023, when it was cancelled due to flooding. It has dropped off this year and been replaced by a return to Madrid, which has taken on the title of the Spanish GP.

Portimão stepped in during the Covid-hit years of 2020 and 2021, and returns to the calendar in 2027 and 2028.