Formula 1 has called off Grand Prix races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia next month due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, the sport and its governing body confirmed on Saturday. Officials announced the decision in a statement ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai,

Formula One Group cited the "ongoing situation in the Middle East," noting alternatives were considered to no avail.

Formula 1 is expected to cancel races next month in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to safety reasons as a military conflict grows in the Middle East, sources familiar with the matter told NBC News.

Formula One is set to cancel two of its April races in the Middle East because of the war in Iran, according to multiple reports.

F1's stars are concerned that rule changes have made it difficult to get off the line cleanly.

When Formula 1 returns this weekend for a new season, the cars will look slimmer, an American auto giant will join the grid and the U.S. audience will be watching on Apple TV.

Formula 1 is preparing to remove two major races from the 2026 calendar as the escalating conflict involving Iran forces the sport to confront the reality of racing in an increasingly unstable region.

Formula 1 and its governing body FIA said the Grand Prix races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will not happen in April because of safety concerns related to the Iran war.

A raft of new regulations promise to make the 2026 Formula One one of the most open and competitive for many years.