Formula 1 is expected to cancel the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix scheduled for April amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, a move that would reduce the 2026 championship calendar to 22 races.
The two events had been due to take place as the fourth and fifth rounds of the season, with Bahrain hosting the championship on April 10 to April 12 before the paddock travelled to Jeddah for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on April 17 to April 19.
However, the ongoing regional conflict has dramatically altered the situation.
Several Gulf states, including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, have been targeted by Iran in retaliation for US-Israeli air strikes, escalating security concerns across the region.
Safety remains the overriding priority for both Formula 1 and the FIA, and the situation has deteriorated rather than improved in recent days.
F1 History understands that the decision to cancel both April races is expected to be confirmed by the end of this weekend, with the current expectation that neither event will be rescheduled.
If confirmed, the change would reduce the 2026 Formula 1 season from 24 races to 22.
Replacement races unlikely despite discussions
There had been early discussions about whether other circuits could step in to fill the calendar gap.
Portugal’s Portimao circuit and Italy’s Imola were both mentioned as potential stand-in venues.
However, sources indicate that there simply would not be enough time to organise and stage a replacement Grand Prix in April.
As a result, the current expectation is that the season will continue with a reduced calendar rather than attempting to add substitute events.
Formula 1 and the FIA have both declined to comment on the situation.
A five-week gap is likely to appear in the calendar
If the cancellations are confirmed, the championship will face an unusual pause early in the season.
With Bahrain and Saudi Arabia removed from the schedule, there would be no races in April, creating a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix (March 27 to March 29) and the Miami Grand Prix (May 1 to May 3).
Such a break would be rare in the modern Formula 1 era, particularly during the early stages of a season.
Chinese Grand Prix weekend underway
While the sport awaits official confirmation of the April races, Formula 1 is currently in Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix weekend.
George Russell will start from pole position for Saturday’s Sprint race, which begins at 3 am UK time, followed by full Qualifying at 7 am.
Sunday’s Grand Prix is also scheduled for 7 am UK time.
Formula 1 2026 Calendar: Updated
| Race | Date | Race | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | March 6-8 | Netherlands | August 21-23* |
| China | March 13-15* | Italy | September 4-6 |
| Japan | March 27-29 | Madrid | September 11-13 |
| Miami | May 1-3* | Azerbaijan | September 24-26 |
| Canada | May 22-24* | Singapore | October 9-11* |
| Monaco | June 5-7 | USA | October 23-25 |
| Barcelona | June 12-14 | Mexico | Oct 30-Nov 1 |
| Austria | June 26-28 | Brazil | November 6-8 |
| Great Britain | July 3-5* | Las Vegas | November 19-21 |
| Belgium | July 17-19 | Qatar | November 27-29 |
| Hungary | July 24-26 | Abu Dhabi | December 4-6 |
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