Formula One announced on Sunday that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, scheduled for April, will not take place due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The decision, made jointly by Formula One, the governing body FIA and local organisers, had been widely anticipated.
The races will not be replaced on next month's calendar, and although a later rescheduling has not been ruled out, it is considered unlikely because of logistical challenges and extreme weather conditions. With their removal, the 2026 season calendar will shrink from 24 to 22 races.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said the choice, while difficult, was necessary given the current regional security situation. "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," he said in a statement.
The Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 ACADEMY rounds will also not take place during their scheduled times.
Bahrain's Sakhir circuit had been set to host the fourth round of the season on April 12, followed a week later by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at Jeddah's Corniche circuit. Both events are run under floodlights at night.
Notably, Bahrain's Mumtalakat sovereign wealth fund the owners of reigning champions McLaren while Saudi oil giant Aramco is title sponsor of Aston Martin.
An update from Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 14, 2026
Following the news that we will not be racing in Bahrain or Saudi Arabia in April#F1 pic.twitter.com/ELoRwxwRpj
Gulf Crisis
The decision comes amid heightened regional tensions, with US and Israeli strikes on Iran continuing and Iranian drones and missiles hitting several Gulf cities, including Bahrain's capital Manama. Airports across the region, including Manama's, have been closed, and Iran has threatened to block the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Bahrain also hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, adding to security sensitivities.
According to a Reuters report, sources indicated that the deadline to ship freight for the Bahrain race was March 20, making a postponement increasingly impractical.
F1 is currently competing in Shanghai, with Japan scheduled for March 29. The Miami Grand Prix on May 3 will now follow, creating a five‑week gap.
The FIA said it evaluated several alternative venues for April but ultimately decided to leave the month blank. The governing body emphasised that its priority is the safety and wellbeing of the sport's participants.
"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," said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
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