F1 Cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix 2026 Amid Middle East Conflict
London, UK — Formula One has officially cancelled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix scheduled for April 2026 due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, a decision that significantly reshapes the 2026 racing calendar.
The races, originally planned for April 12 in Bahrain and April 19 in Saudi Arabia, were expected to serve as the fourth and fifth rounds of the 2026 Formula One World Championship. However, the worsening security situation in the region has made it impossible to guarantee the safety of drivers, teams, staff and spectators.
Formula One and the FIA confirmed that both events would not go ahead as scheduled. The cancellation comes amid rising regional tensions following military confrontations involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which have triggered missile and drone attacks across several Gulf countries. The conflict has raised major concerns about safety and logistics for large international sporting events.
With the cancellation of the two races, the 2026 Formula One season will now consist of 22 races instead of the originally planned 24. The decision also creates a significant five-week gap in the early part of the season between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
The Bahrain Grand Prix was scheduled to take place at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, while the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was planned at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Both races are among the major sporting events in the Gulf region and attract thousands of international fans each year.
Officials said safety concerns were the primary reason behind the decision. The ongoing conflict has affected regional airspace and transport routes, creating serious logistical challenges for teams that transport equipment and personnel across continents during the F1 season. Ensuring the secure movement of teams and fans would have been extremely difficult under current circumstances.
The cancellation also affects several support series that typically run alongside Formula One race weekends, including Formula 2, Formula 3 and the F1 Academy. These events will also not take place in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as they are closely tied to the F1 calendar.
Despite the setback, Formula One officials expressed hope that racing will return to both venues in the future once the regional situation stabilizes. Organisers and promoters in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have supported the decision, acknowledging that the safety of teams, staff and fans must remain the top priority.
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The cancellations highlight how geopolitical tensions can impact global sporting events, particularly those that involve large international logistics operations. For now, the 2026 Formula One season will continue with the revised schedule as the sport waits for conditions in the Middle East to improve.
F1 season shaken: Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix cancelled as Middle East conflict escalates. Safety first, racing second.
