F1 confirmed on Sunday that the 2026 Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April. The announcement came early Sunday morning in Shanghai, hours before the Chinese Grand Prix was scheduled to take place.
The decision follows the ongoing and escalating conflict in the Middle East. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are among the Gulf states hit by attacks from Iran after U.S.-Israeli air strikes.
Formula 1 said it explored other options but ultimately chose not to replace the races in April. The decision also affects support series events scheduled during the same period.
A statement from the FIA read:
“It has been confirmed today that, after careful evaluations, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April. While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions would be made in April. The FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3, and F1 Academy rounds will also not take place during their scheduled times. The decision has been taken in full consultation with Formula One Group, local promoters and our Member Clubs in the region.”
Sources speaking to ESPN said the call to cancel the races came after internal discussions about safety, logistics and the risk of further escalation in the region.
What Stefano Domenicali said
Formula 1 had planned to hold the Bahrain Grand Prix from April 10 to 12. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah was set for April 17 to 19.
Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision. In a statement released via F1’s official X page, he said:
“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.”
His remarks highlighted the seriousness of the security concerns while also recognising long-standing relationships with promoters in the region.
Domenicali did not use the word “cancelled” in his statement. That wording leaves a small opening for a possible return later in the season, though sources told ESPN that this is unlikely because the calendar is already tight.
ESPN sources also said the Bahrain decision was straightforward. The discussion around the Saudi race was more complex.
Saudi organisers wanted the event to go ahead as planned. Formula 1 leadership feared a sudden escalation while freight and personnel were already in the country.
Logistics also played a key role. Freight from the Chinese Grand Prix would need to travel by sea to Bahrain, forcing the series to make a final call well before the race dates.
Formula 1 also explored replacement venues such as Portimão in Portugal, Imola in Italy and Istanbul Park in Turkey. Those plans were dropped because there was not enough time to prepare the circuits.
The FIA’s position
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said safety remained the top priority.
“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. 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.”
Like Formula 1, the FIA avoided using the terms “cancel” or “postpone.” The wording keeps open the possibility of rescheduling if conditions improve.
Reactions from promoters
Promoters in both countries said they understood the decision.
Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, chief executive of the Bahrain International Circuit, expressed support for Formula 1.
“We fully support the decision by Formula 1, and we are grateful to them and to the FIA for their support and enduring partnership. We look forward to welcoming fans from all around the world back to Bahrain when Formula 1 returns.”
HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, also acknowledged the call.
“The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation respect the decision taken by Formula 1 regarding the 2026 race calendar. Fans across the Kingdom were once again looking forward to the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah this April, but we understand the considerations behind this decision and remain in close partnership with Formula 1.”
Impact on the 2026 calendar
The cancellations leave a four-week gap in the 2026 schedule. The Japanese Grand Prix takes place on March 29, and the next race will now be the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
The move reduces the season calendar from 24 races to 22.
Sources told ESPN that Formula 1 does not plan to add replacement races at this stage. Organising new events on short notice would be difficult.
Rescheduling the Bahrain or Saudi races later in the year also appears unlikely, though the series wants to keep its options open.
The decision also carries a financial impact. Reports say Formula 1 could lose more than £100 million in revenue.
Drivers have largely supported the move. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton said, “I know that Stefano will do what is right for all of us and the sport.”
For now, the championship continues its Asian swing. Teams will race in Shanghai this weekend before heading to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29. Miami will host the next event on May 3.
