2026 Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place this April…
SHANGHAI —Formula 1 and its governing body, , have confirmed that the 2026 Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will no longer be held this April. The announcement, made early Sunday ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, follows growing safety concerns linked to the escalating conflict in .
The situation intensified after military strikes by the and on February 28, triggering instability across the region. Both and have reportedly faced retaliatory actions, prompting officials to conclude that the safety of teams, personnel, and fans can no longer be assured.
Safety Takes Priority
In a joint statement, the FIA and Formula 1 leadership stressed that protecting the F1 community remains their top concern.
“The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first,” said FIA President . “After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind.”
Formula 1 CEO supported the move, calling it “the right decision at this stage,” despite the clear logistical and financial setbacks. The races originally set for April 12 in Sakhir and April 19 in Jeddah will neither be replaced nor rescheduled later in the 2026 calendar.
Economic and Logistical Impact
Scrapping these marquee events among the most lucrative on the calendar is expected to hit the sport financially, with estimated losses exceeding $130 million.
Logistically, Formula 1 had reached a critical stage. The sport typically transports vast amounts of equipment weeks ahead of each race. With regional airspace closures and disruptions in key transit hubs like , the risk of delays, losses, or stranded cargo became too great.
Updated 2026 Calendar
The removal of the Middle Eastern leg leaves a significant five-week gap in the season. After the on March 29, teams will pause before racing resumes at the on May 3.
- March 29 — Japanese Grand Prix (Confirmed)
- April 12 — Bahrain Grand Prix (Cancelled)
- April 19 — Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (Cancelled)
- May 3 — Miami Grand Prix (Confirmed)
Paddock Reaction
The response across the paddock has been one of understanding. Mercedes rookie , fresh off a pole position in Shanghai, voiced support for the decision, adding that his thoughts remain with those affected by the conflict.
Promoters in both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia also backed the move, acknowledging that current conditions make hosting a global sporting event unfeasible. As a result, the 2026 season originally planned as a 24-race calendar now stands at 22 rounds, marking the shortest championship since 2023.
