Formula 1 has cancelled the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix following security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The sport’s governing body, Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), announced that the decision was reached after careful security evaluations determined it was unsafe to stage the races under current conditions.
The Bahrain race at Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir had been scheduled for April 10–12, while the Saudi Arabian event at Jeddah Corniche Circuit was due to take place the following week.
In a statement released ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, the FIA confirmed that neither race will be rescheduled or replaced on the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the safety of teams, staff and fans was the top priority.
“As always, the FIA will 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,” he said.
The cancellations reduce the 2026 Formula 1 season to 22 races instead of 24. It also creates a five-week break between the Japanese Grand Prix at the end of March and the Miami Grand Prix in early May.
Formula 1 had explored possible replacement venues, including Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal, Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Italy, and Istanbul Park in Turkey.
However, organisers concluded that hosting a race at short notice would be challenging due to logistical constraints, ticket sales arrangements and the pressure on already stretched race personnel.
The cancellation is expected to cost the sport more than £100 million, as Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are among the highest-paying hosts on the Formula 1 calendar.
Hosting fees are typically shared between the competing teams and the sport’s commercial rights holder, Formula One Group.
Despite the financial implications, officials stressed that safety considerations made the decision unavoidable.
The unexpected break in the schedule will now allow teams extra time to review the opening races of the season and continue development work under the sport’s new engine regulations.
