F1 cancels 2026 Bahrain & Saudi Arabian GPs due to Middle East tensions

Formula 1, FIA, announce that the 2026 Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not happen

After several weeks of speculations and evaluations, Formula One and the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) confirmed that the 2026 Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place this coming April due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions would be made in April 2026. As a result, F1 Academy, Formula 2, and Formula 3 will also not take place next month.

According to Stefano Domenicali, president & CEO of Formula 1, this was a difficult decision to make, but it's unfortunately the right one given the current circumstances.

“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. I want to take this opportunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their support and total understanding, as they were looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion. We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so,” said Domenicali.

Meanwhile, FIA president Ben Sulayem shared that the FIA will always place the safety and well-being of its community first, above all else.

“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. We continue to hope for calm, safety, and a swift return to stability in the region, and my thoughts remain with all those affected by these recent events. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are incredibly important to the ecosystem of our racing season, and I look forward to returning to both as soon as circumstances allow. My sincere thanks to the promoters, our partners, and our colleagues across the championship for the collaborative and constructive approach that has led to this decision,” shared Sulayem.

With the 2026 Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix not happening this April, there will be a one-month break of Formula 1 racing after the Japanese Grand Prix, which will happen on March 29, 2026. The Bahrain Grand Prix was supposed to take place on April 12, while the Saudi Arabian GP was originally scheduled for April 19.

After the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29, the next race will be the Miami Grand Prix on May 4, 2026. This also means there will only be 22 races this year instead of having 24 in total.