Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Cancelled in April

Formula 1 and the FIA have officially confirmed the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, originally scheduled for April 2026.

The decision follows a rigorous evaluation of the escalating security situation in the Middle East, with both the governing body and the Formula One Group citing the safety of personnel and the broader sporting community as the non-negotiable priority.

The Bahrain Grand Prix was slated for 12 April at the Sakhir circuit, followed immediately by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah on 19 April.

In a coordinated statement, the FIA confirmed that several alternatives were explored to fill the vacancies; however, it was ultimately determined that no replacement races will be scheduled for the April window. This leaves a significant five-week gap in the 2026 calendar between the Japanese Grand Prix on 29 March and the Miami Grand Prix on 3 May.

Commenting on the announcement,FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “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.

“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,” he said.

The cancellation extends to all support categories, with FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3, and the F1 Academy rounds also scrapped for the April period.

President and CEO of Formula One Group, Stefano Domenicali, expressed gratitude to the local promoters for their total understanding, describing the move as difficult but unfortunately the right one.

The regional instability has created significant logistical hurdles, with disruptions to freight shipping and Middle Eastern airspace making the safe transport of cars and technical equipment impossible.

The decision also carries a heavy commercial toll, with the loss of two high-fee events expected to impact the league’s annual revenue by over $130 million.

With the 2026 season now reduced from 24 to 22 rounds, teams will likely utilise the unexpected April hiatus to refine their technical packages following the introduction of the sport’s new engine and chassis regulations earlier this year.

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