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Formula 1 is poised to announce the cancellation of its races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as conflict escalates in the Middle East. Sources indicate an official statement could arrive imminently while teams gather for the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. This decision would eliminate the races scheduled for April 12 and April 19, marking a significant disruption for the 2026 season. Heightened regional tensions and missile strikes create insurmountable safety concerns, affecting logistics. The World Endurance Championship has already rescheduled its season opener in Qatar due to the unrest. The loss of Bahrain and Jeddah could create a £100 million gap in F1's revenue, impacting prize funds for all teams. With no viable alternatives available, the calendar may shrink to 22 races, leaving teams with a lengthy break until the Miami Grand Prix in May. This situation highlights the impact of geopolitical issues on global sports.
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