Alpine driver Pierre Gasly trusts that Formula 1 will make the right decision regarding the Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The races are scheduled for April, but due to the conflict in the Middle East, it is not yet clear whether they will actually go ahead. “There is so much at stake,” Gasly emphasizes.
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Both the Grand Prix in Bahrain and in Saudi Arabia are under discussion due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, following American and Israeli attacks on Iran. Iran responded with attacks on, among others, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, two countries where American military bases are located.
‘The right decision’
Pierre Gasly trusts that the leadership of Formula 1 will make the right decision on whether or not to let the races go ahead. “There is so much at stake. I have family living in the Middle East, people who are close to me. It is hard to comprehend everything that is happening when you know what is going on at the moment. Hopefully, conditions improve, but ultimately F1 will make the right decision that is best for all of us,” the Alpine driver tells Sky Sports News.
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Formula 1 is monitoring the situation closely before a final decision is made on the two races. Last Tuesday, the World Endurance Championship announced that the season opener in Qatar – March 26 to 28 – has been postponed. “The well-being and safety of our community is always our first priority. The FIA continues to monitor developments in the region. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by these recent events, in the hope of peace, safety, and a return to stability,” reports FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
What if the races do not go ahead?
It is still uncertain what will happen if Formula 1 cancels the races. The premier class hopes that the conflict in the Middle East ends quickly. If not, the races could be rescheduled. However, that could lead to three or four consecutive race weekends later in the year. The races could also be replaced. The circuits most frequently mentioned as potential candidates are Portimão in Portugal and Imola in Italy. Other possible circuits are Paul Ricard in France and the Nürburgring or Hockenheim in Germany, depending on weather conditions. To still be able to organize replacement races, Formula 1 must make a decision by mid-March at the latest. If there is no replacement, a four-weekend break will follow after the Japanese Grand Prix – at the end of March. The next race on the calendar would then be the Miami Grand Prix in early May.
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