Formula 1 has confirmed that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April, citing the ongoing situation in the Middle East. The F1 Bahrain Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2026 cancellations cover both race weekends in full, with no replacement events scheduled for April. The Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds tied to those weekends are also cancelled. The decision was taken in consultation with the FIA and the respective promoters.
The Decision
Formula 1 confirmed the cancellations on 15 March 2026 following what the series described as careful evaluation of several alternatives. No substitutions will be made for the April slots, leaving a gap in the early-season calendar.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula One Group, explained the reasoning behind the decision.
“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.”
The FIA’s Position
Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed the governing body’s priority throughout the process was the safety of everyone in the paddock and the wider motorsport community.
“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.”
Promoters Respond
Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of Bahrain International Circuit, expressed full support for the decision.
“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.”
Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and the Saudi Motorsport Company, acknowledged the decision regarding the race at Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
“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.”
Coffee Corner Take
This is the right call. Full stop.
People are being affected right now. That is the only context that matters. Formula 1 arriving in the region with a travelling circus of thousands of personnel, fans and media does not happen in isolation. It demands security, logistics, infrastructure and personnel. In a region under pressure, those resources come at a cost that goes far beyond the paddock.
The language from all parties is measured and consistent. That tells you the decision was not contested once safety became the central question.
Yes, the April gap is disappointing for fans. Two races gone with no replacements leaves a hole in the calendar. But sometimes there are bigger things than motorsport. This is one of those moments.
What remains open is the longer-term calendar question. Both Domenicali and Ben Sulayem used the phrase “as soon as circumstances allow.” That wording leaves the door open for a possible return later in the season, even if the logistics of the current calendar make that difficult.
Formula 1 has not said never. It has simply said not now.
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