FORMULA ONE will not appear on our screens for more than a month, just three races into the season.
It comes after the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races have been removed from the calendar for the.
Kimi Antonelli became the youngest ever leader of a world championship in JapanCredit: Alamy
Lewis Hamilton achieved his first ever podium this season for FerrariCredit: Getty
currently sits top of the leaderboard going into the huge break after winning the Japanese Grand Prix in round three.
have got off to the perfect start under the new regulations this year – the Silver Arrows have won all three races, and finished second in two of them.
One person who may be glad of a break is , who has threatened to leave the sport after a disappointing start to the season and feeling disillusioned with the current state of F1.
will also be looking forward to a break from the racing with the team on zero points at the bottom of the contructors’ championship – the drivers have been risking due to the quality of the car.
Why have the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs been cancelled?
Both Grands Prix have been cancelled due to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
The races have been under scrutiny since a joint operation between the US and Israel began against Iran late last month.
The military action and retaliatory strikes from Iran have rocked the region, and raised safety concerns for the thousands of fans set to travel to the races next month.
F1 chiefs concluded after “careful evaluations” that it is not safe to hold either race because of the conflict in the region.
Stefano Domenicali said, “While this was a difficult decision to take, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their support and total understanding as they were looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion. We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so.”
Chief executive of the Bahrain International Circuit, Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said, “We fully support the decision by Formula 1, and we are grateful to them and to the FIA for their support and enduring partnership. We look forward to welcoming fans from all around the world back to Bahrain when F1 returns.”
The cancellations will cost the sport well over £100m commercially, with the two countries paying two of the largest hosting fees on the calendar.
With the 2026 calendar reducing to 22 races rather than the planned 24, the next time F1 will be back is at the beginning of May in Miami, Florida.
When is the Miami Grand Prix?
- The Miami Grand Prix will take place from Friday, May 1 and run until Sunday, May 3.
- The race will begin at 9pm BST on the Sunday.
- Miami International Autodrome will host the action.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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