Iran-US tensions cast doubt over F1 races in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia

The upcoming Formula 1 Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are at risk of cancellation due to escalating regional conflict Both Gulf states, scheduled to host back-to-back races in April, have been targeted by retaliatory Iranian missiles launched in response to US-Israeli air strikes

The heightened security risk raises significant safety concerns for the events. In Bahrain, which is set to host the season's fourth race from April 10-12, missile strikes have hit the capital, Manama A US naval base in the Juffair district, an area where F1 personnel often stay, was among the targets The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah is held near an oil refinery that was targeted in a missile attack by Houthi rebels four years ago

In a statement, Formula 1 confirmed its next three races are in Australia, China, and Japan, and that it is monitoring the situation in the Middle East

The conflict has already caused wider disruption to sports in the region. The West Indies cricket team was reportedly unable to fly home from the T20 World Cup in Kolkata after flight operations over parts of the Gulf were suspended