Formula 1 confirm cancellation of Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
15th March 2026Formula 1 has confirmed that both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix have been cancelled as the conflict in the Middle East continues.
Feature image credit: Getty Images // Red Bull Content Pool
On race day of the Chinese Grand Prix, Formula 1 has confirmed that they will not be racing in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia this year as the two Middle Eastern races have been cancelled.
The decision has been made due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, after Iran has been striking those respective countries in retaliation for US-Israeli airstrikes.
Bahrain’s race was set to get underway on April 10-12, ahead of the Saudi race a week later, on April 17-19.
“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,” said Formula 1 CEO and President, Stefano Domenicali.
“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.”
F1 confirmed ‘several alternatives were considered’ to replace the two grand prix weekends, but decided no replacements would be made in April.
This means that after the Japanese Grand Prix, at the end of March, there will be a five-week break that spans from the Japanese race weekend up until the Miami Grand Prix, on May 1-3.
Ultimately, it means the championship now drops from a 24-race calendar to a 22 races, an amount last conducted in the 2023 season.
With F1’s cancellations of the event, it also means that the junior series will also have their rounds cancelled at those respective races, including the Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy.
F1 has confirmed the decision to cancel the race weekends has been made in ‘full consultation’ with their governing body, the FIA, and the respective grand prix promoters.
“The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first,” commented FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “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.”
Updated 2026 Calendar
- Australia, Melbourne – March 6-8
- China, Shanghai – March 13-15
- Japan, Suzuka – March 27-29
- USA, Miami – May 1-3
- Canada, Montreal – May 22-24
- Monaco, Monaco – June 5-7
- Spain, Barcelona – June 12-14
- Austria, Spielberg – June 26-28
- United Kingdom, Silverstone – July 3-5
- Belgium, Spa-Francorchamps – July 17-19
- Hungary, Budapest – July 24-26
- Netherlands, Zandvoort – August 21-23
- Italy, Monza – September 4-6
- Spain, Madrid* – September 11-13
- Azerbaijan, Baku – September 25-27
- Singapore, Singapore – October 9-11
- USA, Austin – October 23-25
- Mexico, Mexico City – October 30 – November 1
- Brazil, Sao Paulo – November 6-8
- USA, Las Vegas – November 19-21
- Qatar, Lusail – November 27-29
- Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina – December 4-6
Read more Formula 1 here:
- Kimi Antonelli becomes youngest pole sitter ahead of Chinese Grand Prix
- 2026 Chinese Grand Prix – Sprint Race results
- F1 Bahrain and Saudi Arabia GP to be cancelled, reports suggest
- George Russell controls Chinese GP sprint qualifying to pole
- 2026 Chinese Grand Prix: Sprint Qualifying results
- George Russell heads Antonelli at sole Chinese GP practice
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