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Reports are intensifying that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix scheduled for April may be cancelled, with an unexpected conversation between two drivers reportedly hinting at the development.
According to information shared by a passenger on social media, Red Bull Racing driver Isack Hadjar and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli were on the same commercial flight traveling from Melbourne to Shanghai following the Australian Grand Prix. During the flight, the two drivers were heard discussing the possible cancellation of the upcoming races.
The passenger later recounted that Hadjar jokingly told Antonelli that two races in which he could have been competitive might disappear from the calendar. Although the comment was made casually, the exchange quickly attracted attention online because it appeared to echo rumors already circulating in the Formula 1 paddock.
In the days following the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, indications that the April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia may not take place have continued to grow. While Formula 1 has not yet issued an official announcement, observers expect a formal decision to be communicated soon.
The two events currently under discussion are the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which are usually held at the Bahrain International Circuit and the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Both races are scheduled as part of the early phase of the Formula 1 world championship calendar.
Earlier coverage related to Formula 2 and Formula 3 suggested that alternative venues might be considered if the Bahrain and Jeddah rounds were removed from the schedule. At that stage, the possibility of replacing the races with other circuits had been mentioned.
However, sources now indicate that Formula 1 is unlikely to introduce substitute races should the cancellations be confirmed. If the two rounds are removed from the calendar, the championship season would simply continue with fewer races rather than adding new events.
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