Report: Formula 1 to cancel Bahrain, Saudi Arabia races amid war

Formula 1 leaders intend to cancel scheduled races in the Middle East because of the war in Iran and instability in the region, ESPN reported Friday.

The decision is expected to be announced over the weekend.

Grand Prix races were set for April 12 in Bahrain and April 19 in Saudi Arabia. The decision could not be delayed because of the time teams need to ship what they need for the races via freight.

Iran has launched drone and missile attacks on both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in response to the Israel- and U.S.-led war on Iran.

Just a month ago, teams were conducting testing at the Bahrain International Circuit.

The races are not likely to be rescheduled, given the full F1 calendar, ESPN reported.

That would leave F1 with a 22-race schedule and a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.

The Chinese Grand Prix will be run on Sunday.

--Field Level Media