Bahrain and Saudi F1 races canceled

Image: Bahrain International Circuit, Derek Morrison, CC BY 2.0

Formula 1 has confirmed the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix due to war in the Middle East.

Sky Sports said the events will not be replaced in the calendar and the F1 2026 schedule will be reduced to 22 races.

There will now be a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 27-29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 1-3.

The sport had been due in Bahrain for the season’s fourth round from April 10-12 before racing in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah a week later from April 17-19, but both countries are among the Gulf states to have been struck by attacks from Iran in retaliation to US-Israeli air strikes.

Several alternative venues were considered before the final decision not to replace the April dates was made.

The F2, F3 and F1 Academy rounds which had been scheduled during the Bahrain-Saudi Arabia double header will also not take place as planned.

London (UK)-based Formula One (F1) is the highest class of worldwide racing for open-wheel, single-seater formula racing cars run by the Formula One Group and sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, said, “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.”

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added, “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.”
 

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