Formula 1 has confirmed that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix—originally scheduled for April—will not take place due to the ongoing instability in the Middle East.
After weeks of evaluation and consultation, the championship, together with the FIA and local promoters, concluded that holding the events as planned would not be feasible.
The cancellation also affects the support series scheduled for the same period. Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 Academy rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will likewise not go ahead in April, and no replacement events will be added to the calendar for that month.
A Decision Driven by Safety and Regional Conditions
F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but emphasized that it was the only responsible course of action:
“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.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem echoed the sentiment, stressing that the wellbeing of the motorsport community remains the governing body’s top priority:
“The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing 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.
“My sincere thanks to the promoters, our partners, and our colleagues across the championship for the collaborative and constructive approach that has led to this decision.”
Local Promoters Express Support and Optimism
Both host nations expressed understanding and support for the decision, while reaffirming their commitment to Formula 1 and their eagerness to welcome the sport back when conditions improve.
Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Bahrain International Circuit, stated:
“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 F1 returns.
“On behalf of all of us at BIC, I take this opportunity to offer our sincere thanks to all those in the F1 community who have taken the time to send us messages of support.”
From Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), added:
“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.”
