Bahrain and Vietnam Races postponed

Formula 1 announced on Friday morning the postponement of the races in Bahrain and Vietnam, meaning that the will now be no grand prix event until May at the earliest as the sport finally accepts the reality of the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision was announced just hours after the Australian Grand Prix was cancelled following a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the F1 paddock.

A statement from Formula 1 read, "In view of the continued global spread of COVID-19 and after ongoing discussions with the FIA, the Bahrain International Circuit, the Bahrain Motor Federation, the Hanoi People’s Committee the Vietnamese Motorsports Association, and the Vietnam Grand Prix Corporation, a decision has been taken by all parties to postpone both races due to take place on the 20th – 22nd March in Bahrain and April 3rd – 5th April in Vietnam.

"Following the announcement of the Australian Grand Prix’s cancellation this week and the ongoing and fluid nature of the COVID-19 situation globally, Formula 1, the FIA and the promoters have taken these decisions in order to ensure the health and safety of the travelling staff, championship participants and fans, which remains our primary concern.

"Formula 1 and the FIA continue to work closely with the race promoters in Bahrain and Vietnam and the local authorities to monitor the situation and take the appropriate amount of time to study the viability of potential alternative dates for each Grand Prix later in the year should the situation improve.

Carey hits back at Hamilton: If cash is king the Aussie GP would go aheadRead more

“The global situation regarding COVID-19 is fluid and very difficult to predict and its right we take time to assess the situation and make the right decisions," said Carey. "We are taking this decision with the FIA and our promoters to ensure the safety of everyone involved in Formula 1 and our fans.

"The Bahrain Grand Prix is an exciting race in our schedule, and we look forward to being back there as soon as we can. We are also looking forward to Vietnam’s inaugural race and bringing the spectacle of F1 to one of the most exciting cities in the world.”

Liberty Media's handling of the Australian GP was baffling, bewildering, and worryingRead more

"We continue to rely on the input and advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and governments and will work with them throughout this unpredictable period to safeguard the fans, competitors and all of the motor sport community.”

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 Results Today: 2026 Chinese Grand Prix times and positions

• 32 minutes ago

Lewis Hamilton blindsided by Top Gear tribute at Chinese Grand Prix: 'Why did you choose him?'

• 53 minutes ago

Max Verstappen again linked with sensational Mercedes move as Red Bull suffer China crisis

• 1 hour ago

Toto Wolff celebrates Mercedes 1-2-3 at Chinese Grand Prix

• 2 hours ago

Max Verstappen airs Red Bull frustrations after latest Chinese GP 'disaster'

• 3 hours ago

F1 Race Today: Chinese Grand Prix 2026 start times, schedule, TV channel and FREE live stream

• Today 18:51