F1 'considering unprecedented' decision as insider issues update on Saudi and Bahrain races

Formula 1 bosses are reportedly considering doing something they have never done before following the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix.

Last weekend, due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, F1 confirmed that the Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled for April 12, and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, scheduled for April 19, had been cancelled.

F1 CEO 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."

Speaking recently on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast, F1 journalist Peter Hardenacke stated that there are rumours that the two Middle East races could take place later in the season, but admitted it is unlikely due to logistics.

Hardenacke said that F1 could have four back-to-back races, which has never happened before.

F1 testing took place in Bahrain. Image: Getty

Hardenacke said: "The Formula 1 calendar is getting a bit thinner. So the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on 12 April and 19 April are now reportedly cancelled for April due to the war in Iran.

"Of course, there are logistical reasons for this too, because it’s currently difficult to even travel in that direction. I hear that they had been considering a double-header in Japan, so adding another race straight after the one that’s coming up. But the organisers haven’t managed to pull that off. It’s just too short notice to sort out sponsors, spectators, tickets and so on.

"And now, as we hear, the only option left is apparently between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and the Singapore Grand Prix."

He added: "There’s another two-week window where we could schedule something. There are one or two people who are already saying it could well be that there’ll be four races in a row, meaning everything gets crammed in.

"I don’t really think so. I reckon that, given the stage of the season, it would probably cause quite a bit of inconvenience for the teams as well, wouldn’t it? Especially when you consider the strain on the mechanics and so on."