SriLanka, March 15 -- The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekends in April have been cancelled as a result of the war in the Middle East.

Formula 1 has concluded after "careful evaluations" that it is not safe to hold either race because of the ongoing conflict across the region.

"While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April," Formula 1's governing body the FIA said in a statement before Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix.

The Bahrain event at Sakhir was scheduled for 10-12 April, while the Saudi event in Jeddah would have taken place a week later.

The races will not be rescheduled or replaced, so the F1 season will be reduced to 22 races and there will be a five-week...