F1 to cancel Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix as Middle East conflict escalates
Formula 1 is expected to cancel the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix as the bitter conflict in the Middle East continues to destabilize the region, with the decision likely to reduce the 2026 calendar to 22 races.
The two races that were supposed to be held in April were supposed to be the fourth and fifth rounds of this competition. The Bahrain Grand Prix was scheduled for 10-12 April before the race heads to Jeddah for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on 17-19 April.
However, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are among the many Gulf states targeted for Iranian strikes in retaliation for US and Israeli military operations in the region. The deteriorating security situation has raised serious concerns for international sporting bodies, airlines and transport operators, with Formula 1 now expected to officially suspend both events.
Sources indicate that the announcement could be made before the end of the weekend as the game examines the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
Safety remains a priority for both Formula 1 and motorsport’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). With tensions rising across the Gulf and no clear signs of an economic slowdown, tournament organizers are understood to have concluded that hosting the Games in the region in April would pose an unacceptable risk.
Business Matters, which is currently in China with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 team ahead of the weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, understands that the races may be removed from the calendar altogether rather than postponed.
If confirmed, the cancellation will leave a noticeable gap in the schedule for the first season. Following the Japan Grand Prix, which takes place from 27-29 March and serves as the third round of the championship, Formula 1 will not return to action until the Miami Grand Prix on 1-3 May.
That would create an unusual five-week break in the racing calendar in April, a period that usually includes several Grand Prix as the season progresses.
While Formula 1 has rescheduled or replaced canceled races in previous seasons, sources suggest the already packed March-to-December calendar makes it unlikely replacements will be available in the short term. As a result, the 2026 championship is expected to run over 22 race weekends instead of the planned 24.
The Middle East has become an important region for Formula 1 over the past two decades, with races in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi forming an important part of the championship’s global expansion strategy.
Bahrain first joined the calendar in 2004 and traditionally hosts the season-opening race, while the high-speed circuit in Jeddah makes its debut in 2021 as part of the sport’s growth in the Gulf.
Both races have become major sporting and commercial events, attracting large international audiences and significant investment from host governments.
However, the current conflict has already begun to disrupt global transport networks, energy markets and commercial shipping routes throughout the region, raising widespread concerns about the possibility of major international events.
Teams, logistics partners and broadcasters also face complex operational challenges when transporting equipment and personnel in a region experiencing ongoing conflict.
The situation is being closely monitored by the management of Formula 1, the FIA and the organizers of the race, who are expected to issue an official confirmation once the final negotiations have been completed.
For now, the focus remains on the Chinese Grand Prix weekend in Shanghai, where Mercedes driver George Russell aims to build on his opening race win and extend his early lead in the championship standings.
With the season potentially down to two races, the battle for points could become even more intense as drivers and teams compete on a short calendar in what is shaping up to be an unpredictable year in Formula 1.
