Tuesday 24 Mar 2026
Just a month ago, teams were conducting testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. (Photo/Reuters)
Formula 1 has officially announced the cancellation of the upcoming Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix events originally scheduled for April 2026. This decision was necessitated by critical safety concerns resulting from the intensification of the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Despite investigating alternative solutions to maintain the racing calendar, the sport's governing body concluded that no substitute races would take place in April. This development marks a significant disruption to the 2026 F1 season, leaving a five-week gap between the Japanese and Miami Grands Prix and reducing the total season length to 22 races.
Formula 1 has officially cancelled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia scheduled for April because of safety concerns from the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran.
The Bahrain Grand Prix was scheduled for April 12, while the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix was set for April 19.
"While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April," F1 said in a statement released Saturday.
Just a month ago, teams were conducting testing at the Bahrain International Circuit.
The races are not likely to be rescheduled at a later date, given the full F1 calendar, ESPN reported.
The decision to cancel the two races leaves F1 with a 22-race schedule and a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
The Chinese Grand Prix is scheduled for Sunday.
Since Israel and the US launched joint attacks against Iran on February 28, killing some 1,200 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, hostilities have escalated.
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Source: TRT
