Formula 1 has confirmed the cancellation of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, reducing the 2026 season to 22 races.
The sport had been due in Bahrain for the season’s fourth round from April 10-12 before racing in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah a week later from April 17-19, but both countries are among the Gulf states to have been struck by attacks from Iran in retaliation to US-Israeli air strikes.
F1 officially announced the cancellations ahead of Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix, while also confirming that neither event will be replaced on the 2026 schedule.
Several alternative venues were considered before the final decision not to replace the April dates was made.
The F2, F3 and F1 Academy rounds which had been scheduled during the Bahrain-Saudi Arabia double header will also not take place as planned.
Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, 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.”
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The FIA will always place the safety and well-being 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.”
With no races taking place during April, there will be a five-week gap in the schedule between the Japanese Grand Prix, the season’s third round, on March 27-29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 1-3.
Sky Sports F1’s Chinese GP schedule
Sunday March 15
2.35am: F1 Academy Race 2*
5.30am: Chinese GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
7am: THE CHINESE GRAND PRIX*
9am: Chinese GP reaction: Chequered Flag*
10am: Ted’s Notebook*
*Also on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 is in Shanghai for the first Sprint weekend of the 2026 season at the Chinese Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
