F1 cancels 2026 Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix due to conflict
Formula 1 has officially cancelled the 2026 Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix from their scheduled April slots due to ongoing geopolitical conflict in the Middle East.
The sport’s leadership and the FIA determined that the safety of teams, staff and fans could not be guaranteed amidst regional instability.
Initial hopes of moving the two events to the end of the year have faded as the conflict persists.
This unprecedented decision reduces the 2026 calendar from a record-breaking 24 rounds to 22.
A massive gap in the schedule
The cancellation has created a five-week hiatus in the racing calendar throughout April.
The championship paused after the Japanese Grand Prix and will only resume with the Miami Grand Prix this weekend.
Officials decided against finding replacement venues for the vacant spring slots.
The logistical nightmare of organising a race on short notice was avoided, which has helped ease the travel burden on team personnel.
Safety remains the priority
Stefano Domenicali, the sport’s chief executive, acknowledged the difficulty of losing two established early-season pillars.
While this was a difficult decision to take, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the governing body, echoed these sentiments regarding the protection of the motorsport community.
The FIA will always place the safety and well-being of our community and colleagues first.
He added his hopes for a swift return to regional stability and offered his thoughts to all those affected by recent events.
Future prospects in the Middle East
Domenicali confirmed that the premier motorsport category intends to return to both countries as soon as circumstances allow.
The schedule for the 2027 season is expected to be released in June or later.
Despite the loss of these two events, the current season finale is still scheduled to take place at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.