Formula 1 has announced the cancellation of both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix races, scheduled for April, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
The decisions were made following consultations with rights holders and relevant parties, according to reports from Emirates Today and Sky News Arabia.
The Bahrain Grand Prix was originally scheduled to kick off the 2026 Formula 1 season, whereas Saudi Arabia was set to host the second race of the championship. These races are key events on the F1 calendar, attracting significant international attention and boosting tourism in the region.
Saudi Arabian Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal affirmed the Kingdom’s continued commitment to hosting major global events, stating, as reported by Ukaz, “The Kingdom will remain ready to host the biggest events in the world according to the highest standards.”
No immediate reschedule dates have been announced, and Formula 1 officials are currently assessing the situation to determine future plans. The cancellations cast a shadow over the start of the season, leaving fans and teams awaiting further updates.