F1 cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix amid Middle East crisis
Formula 1 has cancelled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, reducing the 2026 season from 24 races to 22. The Bahrain race, originally set for April 10-12, and the Saudi Arabian round in Jeddah from April 17-19, will not be replaced.
The decision follows attacks on Gulf states by Iran in retaliation to US-Israeli air strikes, raising serious safety concerns for teams, personnel, and spectators. Several alternative venues were considered, but logistical, legal, and safety challenges made rescheduling impossible. F2, F3, and F1 Academy events that were due to run alongside the Bahrain-Saudi double-header have also been cancelled.
Safety and logistics at the forefront
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “While this was a difficult decision, it is the right one given the current situation in the Middle East. We thank the FIA and our promoters for their support and understanding. We look forward to returning as soon as circumstances allow.” FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added that the safety and well-being of everyone involved in motorsport remain the top priority.
The cancellations create a five-week gap in the calendar between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 27-29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 1-3, one of the longest breaks in recent F1 history.
The legal and commercial complexities
Canceling races is not simple. F1 transports around 3,000 personnel and 900 tonnes of equipment for each race, involving a tightly scheduled global logistics network. Hosting agreements are governed under English law, which requires clear legal triggers—like government travel advisories or airspace restrictions—before cancelling races to avoid contractual penalties. With billion-dollar broadcasting and sponsorship commitments, every cancellation or relocation involves careful negotiation with promoters, teams, and insurers.
A history of F1 calendar adjustments
F1 has faced similar challenges before. The 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix was cancelled amid Arab Spring unrest, while the 2022 Russian Grand Prix was removed after Russia invaded Ukraine. In 2022, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix continued despite nearby missile attacks. The current Middle East tensions have already impacted preparations, including a cancelled Pirelli tyre test at the Bahrain International Circuit in February.
Updated 2026 F1 calendar
- Australia: March 6-8
- China: March 13-15*
- Japan: March 27-29
- Miami: May 1-3*
- Azerbaijan: May 22-24*
- Monaco: June 5-7
- Barcelona: June 12-14
- Austria: June 26-28
- Great Britain: July 3-5*
- Belgium: July 17-19
- Hungary: July 24-26
- Netherlands: August 21-23*
- Italy: September 4-6
- Madrid: September 11-13
- Canada: September 24-26*
- Singapore: October 9-11*
- USA: October 23-25
- Mexico: October 30-Nov 1
- Brazil: November 6-8
- Las Vegas: November 19-21
- Qatar: November 27-29
- Abu Dhabi: December 4-6
(*denotes Sprint weekends)
The cancellations underline how global geopolitics can directly impact major sporting events. Formula 1 remains committed to returning to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia when conditions are safe, ensuring fans, teams, and partners can enjoy the sport without risk.