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Formula 1 has cancelled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, scheduled for April, citing safety concerns amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The judgment, made in talks with local authorities and the FIA, prioritises the well-being of teams, staff, and spectators. This leaves a five-week gap in the calendar, with the next race set for Miami on May 3.

"The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April. Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, the Grand Prix, alongside F2, F3, and F1 Academy rounds, will not take place as scheduled. While alternatives were considered, no substitutions will be made in April," Formula 1 wrote on X.

The cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will result in a substantial commercial loss for Formula 1, with calculated losses exceeding 100 million pounds due to the high hosting fees paid by these countries, as per the BBC. The 2026 calendar will be reduced to 22 races, down from the original 24-race schedule. 

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The cancelled events were scheduled to take place at Bahrain International Circuit on April 12 and Jeddah Corniche Circuit on April 19, respectively.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said in an official statement, "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," the statement further read.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, stated, "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.

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"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."

Escalating Middle East tensions, sparked by retaliatory attacks between Iran and the US-Israel, have prompted F1 cancellations, with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia facing elevated security risks due to their proximity to the battle.


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