Alpine driver Pierre Gasly says Method 1 will make the “right decision” on whether or not to go forward with the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in April.
Each races are unsure amid ongoing battle within the Center East after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which noticed Iran launch assaults on different international locations within the Gulf, together with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia – two international locations which have US bases.
The opening three F1 races, beginning with this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, adopted by races in China and Japan later this month, is not going to be impacted.
However, F1 are “closely monitoring” the Center East battle earlier than making a remaining choice on the scheduled rounds in Bahrain on April 10-12 and Saudi Arabia on April 17-19.
Alpine’s Gasly informed Sky Sports activities Information: “I belief the individuals in cost. There’s a lot at stake.
“I’ve some household residing within the Center East, and folks near me. It is tough to get my head round all the things that is happening when you understand what’s occurring in the meanwhile.
“Hopefully things will get better, but, ultimately, F1 will make the right decision and what’s best for all of us.”
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Sky Sports activities F1’s David Croft takes a more in-depth have a look at how F1 in 2026 will evolve as the game begins a brand new period of recharge, that includes extra electrical energy, new groups, and engine suppliers
On Tuesday, the World Endurance Championship introduced their season-opener in Qatar on March 26-28 had been postponed.
In its WEC assertion, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated: “The FIA continues to monitor developments across the region and our thoughts remain with all those affected by these recent events as we hope for calm, safety and a return to stability.”
What would occur if Bahrain and Saudi Arabia F1 races are cancelled?
Sky Sports activities’ Nigel Chiu:
“Formula 1 will first hope the Middle East conflict ends in the coming days, but if it does not, they will no doubt be making contingency plans.
“From a calendar perspective, there’s a three-week hole in Might and the normal four-week break in August the place the groups’ factories should be shut down for not less than two of these weeks.
“Other than this, each different spherical is both held straight after one other race or simply two weeks following the earlier occasion. Meaning shifting even simply one of many Bahrain or Saudi Arabia races would create a triple-header, and even 4 successive race weekends.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Oscar Piastri seems to be forward to the brand new F1 season and the challenges McLaren will face with the brand new laws
“Portimao in Portugal and Imola in Italy would be likely candidates to replace Bahrain and/or Saudi Arabia if the Middle East events are cancelled completely. If F1 want any chance of staging those races in April though, they must make a decision by mid-March at the latest.
“Ought to there be no races in April or the three-week hole in Might, solely the Miami Grand Prix (Might 1-3) can be staged following the Japanese Grand Prix on the finish of March to the Canadian Grand Prix in direction of the tip of Might.”
Sky Sports F1’s Australian GP schedule
Thursday March 5
3am: Drivers’ Press Conference
6am: Paddock Uncut
9.45pm: F3 Practice
10.55pm: F2 Practice
Friday March 6
1am: Australian GP Practice One (session starts at 1.30am)*
2.55am: F3 Qualifying*
3.30am: Team Bosses Press Conference
3.50am: F2 Qualifying*
4.35am: Australian GP Practice Two (session starts at 5am)*
6.15am: The F1 Show*
Saturday March 7
0.10am: F3 Sprint*
1.10am: Australian GP Practice Three (session starts at 1.30am)*
3.05am: F2 Sprint*
4.10am: Australian GP Qualifying build-up*
5am: AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*
7am: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook*
9.45pm: F3 Feature Race*
Sunday March 8
12.20am: F2 Feature Race*
2.30am: Australian GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
4am: THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX*
6am: Australian GP reaction: Chequered Flag*
7am: Ted’s Notebook*
7.55am: Australian GP race replay*
10am: Australian GP highlights (also on Sky One)*
*Also on Sky Sports Main Event
Watch every race of the 2026 Formula 1 season live on Sky Sports, starting with the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
