- Cerasoli explains Azerbaijan GP could be at risk due to proximity to conflict zone.
- The recently cancelled races, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, will not be replaced.
- Cancellations affect development timelines, commercial events, and logistics.
After the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia GP, there have been speculations about whether the Azerbaijan race, scheduled for late September, could be at risk.
Julianne Cerasoli, a prominent journalist and content creator, recently explained how the country’s proximity to the conflict zone could lead to another race being axed from the season, if the war continues to escalate.
On February 28, the US and Israel launched joint airstrikes on Iran, which also led to the assassination of their Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei and other officials. In retaliation, Iran counterattacked the two nations by targeting the US bases and allies in the region, which heightened the tensions in the Middle East.
As the war has escalated and hasn’t reached a definitive conclusion yet, FIA recently released a statement calling off the two races in the Gulf region to ensure the safety of everyone involved, and hopes to return once the situation cools down. As neither race will be replaced, the calendar has now shrunk to 22 races, down from 24.
There’s a possibility the Azerbaijan Grand Prix could get cancelled
During a conversation with EUL Esporte, Cerasoli explained why there’s an uncertainty around the Azerbaijan GP, which is over 5 months away. It is to be noted that Azerbaijan is not involved in the war, and there have been no strikes over there; however, Cerasoli stresses its proximity to Iran.
Azerbaijan and Iran are geographically close as they border each other, which raises concerns about safety for conducting a premier global event near a conflict zone.
Explaining where the sports find themselves in the potential shake-ups, she added, “Formula 1 made this decision: we’re not going to do it now, but we’re not ruling out the possibility that these races could be held. But the idea is not about setting new dates for these races. Rather, it’s about what to do if we have to cancel another race for another reason.”
As the rounds go by and with the cancellation of two races in April, Formula 1 is left with three Gulf races, which will take place late this year.
While the Azerbaijan GP could be at risk if the war persists, Qatar and Abu Dhabi are less concerning and too far away to think about at the moment, given they are the last rounds on the calendar.
The consequences of major race cancellations
Hypothetically, if the Azerbaijan GP gets axed, it could bring the F1 calendar to just 21 rounds, which could potentially compress the championship battle between teams and drivers. The removal could also affect the point-scoring opportunities for teams behind, while also significantly impacting the development timelines, the commercial side of the event and disrupting logistical movements.
While the changes due to the ongoing situation could impact the event massively, it was important to make this tough decision because the safety of everyone should always be a top priority. The season could be rearranged later, per availability, but lives matter more.
There were speculations that F1 could potentially consider replacing the two races with other venues, but logistical problems arise in such cases. Circuits like Imola, Portimão, and Paul Ricard were expected to be considered. A double-header at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan, which is the next race of the season, was also being explored as a possible replacement option.
Unfortunately, none of the circuits will be hosting a race or a doubleheader. The FIA President has clearly stated in its Saudi and Bahrain cancellation statement that the two races “are incredibly important to the ecosystem of our racing season, and I [he] look forward to returning to both as soon as circumstances allow.”
If the war situation cools down, F1 could potentially fit the two races in the week gaps later in the calendar.
