Formula 1 Cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Races Amidst Middle East Conflict
Manama, Bahrain – Formula 1 has cancelled its upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to safety concerns stemming from the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the sport’s governing body, the FIA, announced today. The Bahrain Grand Prix was scheduled for April 12th, followed by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on April 19th.
The decision, confirmed by multiple sources including the Associated Press and Sky Sports, reduces the 2026 F1 calendar to 22 races. The cancellations follow a period of heightened tension and active warfare between Iran and the United States, prompting officials to prioritize the safety of drivers, teams, and spectators.
“The safety of everyone involved is paramount,” a statement released jointly by Formula 1 and the FIA read. “The evolving situation in the region made it impossible to proceed with the races as planned.”
This marks the latest disruption to the F1 calendar due to geopolitical instability. Similar concerns led to the cancellation of races in previous years, highlighting the sport’s vulnerability to global events. The cancellations come just hours after reports surfaced indicating the decision was imminent, as reported by El Mundo.
The impact of the cancellations extends beyond the sporting world. Both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have invested heavily in Formula 1, viewing the races as key components of their economic diversification strategies and international image-building efforts. The loss of these events represents a significant financial blow to both nations.
While no immediate rescheduling plans have been announced, Formula 1 officials are exploring alternative options to fill the gaps in the calendar. The situation remains fluid and will be closely monitored as the conflict in the Middle East continues to unfold.