Formula One has confirmed that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April in light of the ongoing situation in the Middle East. A number of options were considered before coming to the decision to cancel the event. The decision was made in full consultation with the FIA and the respective promoters.
A statement read: « It has been confirmed today that, after careful evaluations, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April. While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April. The Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 ACADEMY rounds will also not take place during their scheduled times. The decision has been taken in full consultation with the FIA and respective promoters and our Member Clubs in the region. »
The conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has intensified sharply as it moves into its second week, with the region experiencing sustained military exchanges and rising civilian and geopolitical fallout.
As a result, no substitutions will be made in April, leaving the race calendar two events short. The same applies to the Formula Two, Formula Three and F1 Academy rounds scheduled for that period.
Although the war has dominated headlines in recent days, the 2026 Formula One season officially got underway last week with George Russell opening the campaign with victory in Melbourne, Australia.
Speaking about the decision to cancel the Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said: « 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. »
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, added: « 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. My sincere thanks to the promoters, our partners, and our colleagues across the championship for the collaborative and constructive approach that has led to this decision. »
Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Bahrain International Circuit, backed the decision, stating: « 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. On behalf of all of us at BIC, I take this opportunity to offer our sincere thanks to all those in the F1 community who have taken the time to send us messages of support. »
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