Formula 1 is set to cancel the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East. Several major outlets, including Sky Sports, ESPN, BBC and Reuters, report that the decision is expected to be confirmed very soon.
The two races were scheduled as the fourth and fifth rounds of the 2026 season. The Bahrain race was set for April 10 to 12 at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, followed by the Saudi Arabian race from April 17 to 19 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Reports say safety is the main concern. The ongoing conflict in the region has led to strikes and retaliation across several areas. Because of the uncertainty, Formula 1 and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile are believed to have decided the events cannot go ahead.
Teams were also approaching key freight deadlines to ship equipment to Bahrain. With limited time left to move cars and equipment safely, organisers needed to make a quick decision about whether the races could still happen.
If confirmed, the move will cut the 2026 calendar from 24 races to 22. It would also create a five week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix at the end of March and the Miami Grand Prix in early May.
Reports suggest there are no plans to replace the cancelled races. Adding new venues at short notice would be difficult because the rest of the season schedule is already very tight.
Although official confirmation is still pending, the events have already started appearing as “called off” on synced Formula 1 calendars. That suggests the decision is already in motion.
The season continues this weekend with the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. Drivers such as Kimi Antonelli have already impressed early in the season, but teams and fans may now face a long break before racing returns in Miami.
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