Formula 1 has confirmed the cancellation of the 2026 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to affect major international sporting events.
The decision removes the two April races from the championship calendar, reducing the 2026 season to 22 rounds. Formula 1 officials also confirmed that the events will not be replaced by alternative venues, despite discussions with several circuits that had been considered as possible substitutes.
The Bahrain Grand Prix, traditionally held at the Bahrain International Circuit, and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit were originally scheduled as a back-to-back race weekend in April.
With the two races removed, the 2026 calendar will now feature a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 27-29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 1-3.
The cancellations also impact several support championships. Planned rounds of FIA Formula 2 Championship, FIA Formula 3 Championship and F1 Academy that were scheduled to take place during the Bahrain-Saudi Arabia double header will no longer go ahead as planned.
Formula 1 confirmed the decision ahead of the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix, emphasising that safety and logistical considerations were central to the final call.
Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, said the cancellation was not taken lightly.
“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,” Domenicali said.
“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.”
Formula 1 has expanded rapidly in recent years, with the championship calendar reaching record levels of global interest and race attendance. The decision to run a shorter season in 2026 highlights how geopolitical tensions can still influence even the most carefully planned international sporting schedules.
For now, teams and fans will instead face an unusually long spring break before the championship resumes in Miami in early May.
