Overview
- Pirelli cancelled a two-day wet-tyre development test at Bahrain International Circuit for security reasons and said all staff in Manama are safe with return travel being arranged.
- Mercedes and McLaren had supplied mule cars for the Bahrain running, which was intended to gather wet-weather tyre data before the season opener in Melbourne.
- An F1 spokesperson said the next three races in Australia, China and Japan are expected to proceed as planned, with the series continuing to monitor the situation with authorities.
- Closures and disruptions at major Gulf hubs, including Doha and Dubai, have forced teams and paddock personnel to rebook routes via cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Perth.
- Bahrain (April 12) and Saudi Arabia (April 19) remain on the calendar, with reports indicating contingency options are being prepared as officials track regional security developments, including reported strikes near the US Navy Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.