The Writer’s Verdict: Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GP cancellations
16th March 2026During the Chinese Grand Prix, Formula 1 confirmed that the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix would not take place due to the ongoing conflict. Here are our writer’s verdict on the decision.
Feature image credit: Getty Images // Red Bull Content Pool
Lucas Hamilton – ApexMotorsport.co.uk Contributor
The cancellation of both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is yet another case of Formula One acting too late. We saw it in 2020 when the Australian Grand Prix was cancelled during the weekend, when fans were clambouring to get into the circuit. The races, in my opinion, should have been cancelled when the attack broke out. WEC cancelled earlier than F1 for their Qatar round.
Yes, the race was also meant to be happening next weekend; however, it showed an urgency F1 hasn’t shown.
It was always going to be more difficult for F1 to cancel than WEC though, as they do have the F2 and F3 support categories to boot. The lack of European races not already hosting F2 and F3 makes it difficult to replace these on the F1 support ladder. Zandvoort is only hosting F1 Academy, but with Zandvoort also hosting a sprint race, it seems unlikely to be able to fit both series.
A replacement round could have been held in the break, Aragon, Valencia, Portimao, Imola, Paul Ricard, a number of European Grade One circuits would gladly open their doors to F2 and F3, with the late cancellation, it seems unlikely to happen. The cancellation of these rounds plugs a weird gap into the F1 schedule, one that F1 isn’t used to anymore.
Still it could be worse. F1 could be MotoGP, delaying races fans were already expected and excited to go to, to fit the Qatar Grand Prix back into the schedule, whilst also having a second, month-long gap at the start of the season too
Kamron Kent – ApexMotorsports.co.uk Founder
Thanks to the calendar positioning of the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grand Prix, I don’t believe Formula 1 was really going to complete those events following the retaliatory attacks by Iran.
Had those races taken place later on in the year, like the Qatar Grand Prix, I understand the reasoning for the delay in this decision. However, it has only been two weeks since the initial attacks, and the conflict rages on: it’s a surprise this decision hasn’t come sooner.
F1 isn’t an unknown entity in making decisions in a reaction to geopolitical circumstances, given a recent race cancellation: the Russian Grand Prix. Granted, the sport was right to cancel the event due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but it was still decided quickly and hasn’t returned to the calendar since.
It is not the first time F1 have found themselves potentially racing in a region under attack.
At the 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, a nearby oil facility was hit by a Houthis strike, prompting talks and speculation that the Grand Prix would be cancelled mid-weekend. It eventually went ahead as planned, thankfully with no further issues.
On the bright side, at least they have acted now. The decision is made, and everyone now knows the plan going forward, meaning it is not left under speculation on an ‘are we, aren’t we?’ situation.
Read more Formula 1 here:
- The Writer’s Verdict: 2026 Chinese Grand Prix
- Kimi Antonelli takes maiden win at Chinese Grand Prix
- Formula 1 confirm cancellation of Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
- 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
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The ApexMotorsports.co.uk Team brings together the voices of our writers and contributors covering the latest stories from across the motorsport world. From race analysis and breaking news to opinion and event coverage, our team provides insight into Formula One, World Rally Championship and other major racing series.
