Article by Daniel Grigore – Published Sunday, March 15, 2026, 08:25 / Updated Sunday, March 15, 2026 08:27
Formula 1 has confirmed that the Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, scheduled for April 12 and 19 respectively, will no longer take place.
Formula 1 racing rumours that were supposed to take place in the spring in the Middle East have come true.
In the context of the war waged by Israel and the US with Iran, the management of Formula 1 decided to cancel the two races scheduled in the Gulf area, in Bahrain on April 12 and in Saudi Arabia a week later.
Formula 1 has announced the cancellation of the Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia
“It has been confirmed today that, following thorough assessments, due to the current situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April.
Although several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no replacement would be made for the month of April.
Also, the Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 ACADEMY stages will not take place on the originally scheduled dates.
The decision was taken in full consultation with the FIA and the respective promoters”, the official announcement states.
Scheduled later in the season?
Stefano Domenicalithe chairman and CEO of F1, relayed:
“Although it was a difficult decision, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage, given the current situation in the Middle East.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their total support and understanding as they looked forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion. We look forward to returning with them as soon as circumstances permit“.
Practical, Formula 1 not only does not rule out, but even suggests that the two races take place at another time of the year.
“The FIA will always put the safety and well-being of our community and colleagues first. After careful consideration, we have made this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind.
We continue to hope for calm, safety and a quick return to stability in the region, and my thoughts remain with all those affected by these recent events,” he said. Mohammed Ben Sulayempresident of the International Automobile Federation.
This means that the updated version of the F1 calendar foresees a break of more than a month. After the race in Japan (March 29), the next one will take place in Miami on May 3.
