Grand Prix events in both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been officially cancelled, Formula One has announced.
They were initially scheduled for April 12 and April 19, respectively, but will now not go ahead due to the "ongoing situation in the Middle East", as per a press statement.
A Formula One spokesperson said that, while alternatives were considered, no substitutions will be made for the races.
The cancellations mean there will be a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on 27-29 March and Miami on 1-3 May.
"The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first. After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind," said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
