Formula One has cancelled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix scheduled for April, citing escalating tensions in the Middle East linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
The races were originally slated as the fourth and fifth rounds of the 2026 season, with Bahrain set to host the championship from April 10–12 before the series moved to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from April 17–19.
However, both events have now been removed from the calendar after security concerns intensified across the Gulf region following Iranian attacks in response to recent US–Israeli air strikes.
Formula One President and Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali described the move as difficult but necessary in light of the prevailing security situation.
“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,” Domenicali said.
He thanked the race promoters and governing bodies for their understanding, noting that the sport hopes to return to both countries once conditions improve.
“We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so,” he added.
Consequently, instead of the 24 races that were initially scheduled for this year’s championship, there will now be 22. Other support categories that had events planned alongside the Bahrain and Saudi races, such as Formula 2, Formula 3, and the F1 Academy series, will also be impacted by the cancellation.
The President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Mohammed Ben Sulayem, also stressed that the safety of teams, drivers and officials was the primary consideration behind the decision.
“The FIA will always place the safety and well-being of our community and colleagues first. After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind,” he said.
Ben Sulayem stated that Bahrain and Saudi Arabia continue to be significant Formula One locations while expressing hope that calm will soon return to the area. The championship schedule will now include a longer break in April after the two events were eliminated.
There will be a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix, scheduled for March 27–29, and the Miami Grand Prix, which will take place from May 1–3.
