Formula 1 is expected to cancel the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix as the escalating conflict in the Middle East continues to destabilise the region, with the decision likely to reduce the 2026 calendar to 22 races.
The two races, scheduled to take place in April, were due to form the fourth and fifth rounds of the championship. The Bahrain Grand Prix had been planned for 10–12 April before the sport was set to travel to Jeddah for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on 17–19 April.
However, both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are among several Gulf states that have been targeted by Iranian strikes in retaliation for US and Israeli military operations in the region. The deteriorating security situation has raised serious concerns across international sporting bodies, airlines and logistics operators, with Formula 1 now expected to formally call off both events.
Sources indicate that the announcement could be made before the end of the weekend as the sport assesses the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
Safety remains the overriding priority for both Formula 1 and motorsport’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). With tensions escalating across the Gulf and no clear signs of de-escalation, the championship’s organisers are understood to have concluded that staging races in the region in April would present unacceptable risks.
Business Matters, which is currently in China with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 team ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix weekend in Shanghai, understands that the races will likely be removed entirely from the calendar rather than postponed.
If confirmed, the cancellations will leave a notable gap in the early-season schedule. Following the Japanese Grand Prix, which takes place from 27–29 March and serves as the third round of the championship, Formula 1 would 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 during April, a period that normally features several Grands Prix as the season builds momentum.
While Formula 1 has occasionally rearranged or replaced cancelled races in previous seasons, sources suggest that the already packed March-to-December calendar makes it unlikely that replacement venues will be found at short notice. As a result, the 2026 championship is expected to run over 22 race weekends instead of the originally planned 24.
The Middle East has become a key 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 opening race of the season, while the high-speed street circuit in Jeddah made its debut in 2021 as part of the sport’s growing presence 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 across the region, raising broader concerns about the feasibility of large-scale international events.
Teams, logistics partners and broadcasters also face complex operational challenges when transporting equipment and personnel across a region experiencing heightened military activity.
The situation is being monitored closely by Formula 1 Management, the FIA and race organisers, who are expected to issue formal confirmation once final discussions conclude.
In the meantime, attention remains on the Chinese Grand Prix weekend in Shanghai, where Mercedes driver George Russell is aiming to build on his opening-race victory and extend his early lead in the championship standings.
With the season potentially losing two races, the fight for points could become even more intense as drivers and teams compete across a shorter calendar in what is already shaping up to be a highly unpredictable year in Formula 1.
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F1 set to cancel Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix amid Middle East conflict
