Key Takeaways
- The decision reduces the 2026 Formula One calendar from 24 to 22 races, impacting the championship schedule for April.
- Formula One and the FIA cancelled the F1 Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races due to security concerns in the Middle East.
- The Bahrain Grand Prix was set for April 12, and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for April 19, but safety risks led to their cancellation.
- Logistical challenges also played a role, as team equipment was already in Bahrain, and moving freight was difficult.
- Formula One hopes to return to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in the future, but other Middle East races remain scheduled.
The F1 Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races cancelled decision was confirmed by Formula One and the FIA ahead of the April 2026 race schedule. The Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix were originally planned as part of the early rounds of the 2026 Formula One World Championship. Security concerns in the Middle East led to the cancellation of both events.
The Bahrain Grand Prix was scheduled to take place on April 12 at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was planned for April 19 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. These races were expected to be the fourth and fifth rounds of the season.
Formula One officials evaluated the regional situation before making the decision. Ongoing conflict and military escalation in the Middle East created safety risks. Organizers concluded that hosting the races under those conditions was not possible.
F1 Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Races Cancelled Due to Security Risks
The F1 Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races cancelled announcement followed increased instability in the region. Military tensions and reported attacks across several Gulf locations raised safety concerns for international events.
Formula One and the FIA stated that protecting drivers, team personnel, race officials, and spectators was the main priority. Officials determined that the situation did not allow the races to be held safely during the planned April dates.
Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali said the decision was necessary given the circumstances. Event organizers and governing bodies monitored the situation closely before confirming the cancellations.
Impact After F1 Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Races Cancelled
The F1 Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races cancelled decision reduces the 2026 Formula One calendar from 24 races to 22. The change creates a gap in the championship schedule during April.
The Japanese Grand Prix remains scheduled for March 29. After that event, the next race on the calendar will be the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
Other motorsport series connected to Formula One were also affected. Planned support races for Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 Academy that were scheduled during the Middle East race weekends will not take place on those dates.
Formula One Calendar Changes After F1 Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Races Cancelled
Logistics also influenced the decision. Some team equipment had already been transported to Bahrain earlier in the season. Additional freight movement into the region was considered difficult due to the security situation.
Local race promoters supported the cancellation. Formula One stated that it hopes to return to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia when conditions allow.
Despite the changes, other races in the Middle East remain part of the 2026 calendar. The Qatar Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix later in the season are still scheduled.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/sports/formula1/f1-calls-off-april-races-bahrain-saudi-arabia-2026-03-14/