Formula 1 officially cancels Bahrain, Saudi Arabian grands prix amid regional tensions
Global racing body Formula 1 said early on Sunday it has cancelled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix scheduled for April owing to the ongoing situation in the Middle East
15 March, 2026
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Formula 1 has officially announced that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix scheduled for April will not take place owing to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
The global racing giant said early on Sunday that the decision was taken following consultations with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the respective race promoters.
Organisers said several alternatives were considered but ultimately decided not to stage replacement races during the April slot. The races were originally scheduled for April 10–12 in Bahrain and April 17–19 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
The cancellations will also affect the scheduled rounds of Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy, which were set to take place alongside the Formula 1 races.
Stefano Domenicali, president and chief executive of Formula 1, said the decision had been difficult but necessary given the current circumstances.
“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.”
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the governing body prioritised the safety and wellbeing of all those involved in the championship.
“The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first,” Ben Sulayem said.
“After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind.”
He added that Bahrain and Saudi Arabia remain key fixtures on the Formula 1 calendar and that the championship hopes to return once circumstances allow.
Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, chief executive of the Bahrain International Circuit, said the venue supported the decision and looked forward to welcoming fans back when Formula 1 returns.
“We fully support the decision by Formula 1, and we are grateful to them and to the FIA for their support and enduring partnership,” he said.
Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and chairman of the Saudi Motorsport Company, said fans in the Kingdom had been looking forward to the race in Jeddah but understood the move.
“The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation respects the decision taken by Formula 1 regarding the 2026 race calendar,” he said.
Formula 1 said it hopes to return to both countries once the situation in the region stabilises.






















