FIA and Formula 1 cancel Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix

Formula One and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile confirmed that the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will not take place, following escalating conflict in the Middle East.

The Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled for April 12 at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, planned for April 19 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, were removed from the calendar after security concerns intensified across the Gulf region.

F1 officials, in coordination with the FIA and local promoters, stated that the decision was taken to protect the safety of drivers, teams, and staff as the regional conflict created risks for travel, logistics, and event operations.

With the cancellation of both races, the 2026 Formula 1 calendar is reduced from 24 to 22 events, leaving a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.

Formula 1 confirmed that no replacement races will be held in April, while support series such as Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 Academy will also skip their scheduled rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

F1 leadership expressed hope that racing can return to both countries in the future once the regional situation stabilizes.