Formula 1 cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix

Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Formula 1 has decided to cancel the planned Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix that were to take place in April. The organisation also shared that the races will not be rescheduled or replaced.

On Saturday 14 March, Formula 1 announced to be cancelling the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix for the 2026 season, which were scheduled to take place from 10-12 April and from 17-19 April respectively. The decision comes as the conflict in the Middle East continues, with both countries having been struck by Iranian missiles and drones since the outbreak of the war at the end of February 2026.

“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”, said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.

The organisation said it would not be rescheduling the races or replacing them, bringing the total number of F1 races in 2026 to 22. Moreover, the Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 ACADEMY rounds have also been cancelled. With Bahrain and Saudi Arabia paying two of the largest hosting fees on the circuit, the cancellations cause a commercial hit estimated at over £100 million, which would normally have been split between the teams and the F1 organisation.

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April

Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East the Grands Prix, alongside F2, F3, and F1 Academy rounds, will not take place as scheduled

While alternatives were considered, no substitutions will be made in… pic.twitter.com/wsgXUR2FKn

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 14, 2026

“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”, stated Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President.

The decision means yet another blow for the tourism sector in the region. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the conflict in the Middle East is costing the region’s visitor economy “at least $600 million per day”.