Formula 1 has confirmed that the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April, will not take place this season following escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The decision was made jointly by the championship and its governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, after concerns grew about the safety of teams, drivers, staff and spectators travelling to the region. The two events have become prominent fixtures on the modern Formula 1 calendar, but officials said the current situation made staging the races impossible.
In a statement released through Formula 1’s official channels, Stefano Domenicali, President and Chief Executive of Formula One Group, acknowledged the significance of the decision.
“It is a difficult situation, but the safety of everyone involved in Formula 1 must always come first.”
Domenicali added that the championship hopes to return to both venues in the future when conditions allow, noting that the Middle East remains an important part of Formula 1’s global calendar.
A similar message came from Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who reiterated that the governing body’s priority is the wellbeing of the motorsport community.
“The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community first.”
Drivers have also begun reacting publicly to the cancellations. Carlos Sainz Jr. addressed the situation in a message shared with fans, acknowledging that the news goes beyond the sport itself.
“Racing is important to us, but moments like this remind us that some things are bigger than sport. I hope the situation improves soon and that everyone stays safe.”
Sainz also noted that the Middle East has become an important part of Formula 1’s modern calendar and expressed hope that the championship will be able to return to the region once conditions improve.
The cancellations reduce the 2026 championship calendar from 24 races to 22, creating an unusual five-week gap early in the season. After the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, the next race will now be the Miami Grand Prix in early May.
The impact extends beyond Formula 1 itself. Support championships including the FIA Formula 2 Championship, FIA Formula 3 Championship, and F1 Academy had rounds scheduled alongside the two grands prix, all of which have also been cancelled.
Over the past two decades the Middle East has become one of Formula 1’s most prominent regions, hosting several of the sport’s most high-profile events. For now, however, the focus has shifted away from the track, with the sport’s leadership making clear that safety must take priority over racing.
