Formula 1 Cancels 2026 Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix Races Amid Middle East Conflict

Formula 1 has announced that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not go ahead in April, citing the ongoing conflict situation in the Middle East. Officials said a thorough review was carried out before the decision was reached, and that no replacement events will fill the vacant April slots in the 2026 race calendar. The supporting series -- Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy -- will also be absent from their originally scheduled rounds during that period.

The move was made in full consultation with the FIA and the promoters of both events.

"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," Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, said in a statement.

"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 said: "The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing 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."

Bahrain International Circuit Chief Executive Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said: "We fully support the decision by Formula 1, and we are grateful to them and to the FIA for their support and enduring partnership. We look forward to welcoming fans from all around the world back to Bahrain when F1 returns. On behalf of all of us at BIC, I take this opportunity to offer our sincere thanks to all those in the F1 community who have taken the time to send us messages of support."