Saudi Arabia and Bahrain Grands Prix cancelled amid Middle East conflict
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Riyadh, March 14 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Formula One announced on Saturday that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix scheduled for April will not take place, citing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sakhir circuit, originally scheduled for April 12, and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah, set for the following weekend, have been removed from the calendar. Organisers said the races will not be replaced next month, reducing the 2026 Formula One calendar from 24 to 22 races.
Formula One Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali said the decision was taken due to the current security situation in the region.
The decision was made jointly by Formula One, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), and local promoters, according to a statement issued on Saturday.
The cancellations come as tensions escalate across the Middle East, with Iranian missile and drone attacks reported in several Gulf capitals, including Manama, where Formula One teams would have been based during the Bahrain race weekend.
Regional airports, including Manama International Airport, have temporarily closed during the conflict, while Iran has threatened to disrupt shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor.
Formula One officials had also faced logistical challenges, including a March 20 freight deadline to ship racing equipment to Bahrain.
Formula One is currently holding a race weekend in Shanghai, with Japan scheduled for March 29 as the next round. Miami will now become the next race after Japan, scheduled for May 3.
The FIA said the decision was taken after consultation with Formula One, race promoters and national sporting authorities, adding that safety considerations were paramount.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the governing body prioritised the wellbeing of teams and staff.
Formula Two, Formula Three and F1 Academy events scheduled to support the Middle Eastern races will also not take place.
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races are among the most financially significant events on the Formula One calendar. Bahrain’s hosting fee is estimated at around $45 million annually, while Saudi Arabia’s hosting agreement is believed to be higher.
