Formula One has pulled the plug on the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, originally scheduled for April, citing escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The cancellations slash the 2026 calendar from 24 to 22 races, with no immediate plans for rescheduling due to logistical and weather constraints.
“Although a very difficult call, prioritizing the safety of our teams and personnel was non-negotiable given the current situation in the Middle East,” said Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali.
The Sakhir Circuit in Bahrain was set to host the fourth round on April 12, followed by the Jeddah Corniche Circuit a week later, both traditionally night races under the floodlights, drawing huge global audiences.
The cancellations come as Iranian missile and drone attacks continue across the region, while US and Israeli operations intensify.
Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, faced increasing risk, particularly in Manama, where F1 personnel would have been housed. Airport closures and threats to the Strait of Hormuz, a key trade route, made logistics virtually impossible.
With the freight deadline for Bahrain looming on March 20, organizers had little room to maneuver. Following the current round in Shanghai, China, and the next in Japan on March 29, the Miami Grand Prix on May 3 now becomes the next race a rare five-week gap that could prove crucial for teams like Aston Martin to fine-tune their cars.
The FIA stressed that safety was paramount. “After careful deliberation and consultation with Liberty Media, local promoters, and FIA member clubs, the decision was made to leave April blank,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Supporting events, including Formula Two, Formula Three, and the F1 Academy, have also been cancelled in the Middle East.
“Safety of the racing community comes first,” Ben Sulayem added. “We look forward to returning to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as soon as stability allows.”
The Bahrain and Jeddah races are critical revenue drivers, with Bahrain’s hosting fees estimated at $45 million annually, and Saudi Arabia’s likely even higher.
Bahrain previously lost its 2011 Grand Prix due to civil unrest, while Jeddah has faced prior threats, including missile attacks in 2022, yet races went ahead after stringent safety measures.
Both events are major investors in the sport, with Bahrain’s Mumtalakat sovereign wealth fund backing McLaren, and Saudi oil giant Aramco sponsoring Aston Martin.
Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al-Faisal stated: “We fully respect F1 and the FIA’s decision. The Kingdom was prepared to host the races and remains committed to welcoming Formula One back safely.”
