F1 Cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix

Formula 1 cancelled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix scheduled for April amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, a move that reduced 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 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.

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 season continued with a reduced calendar rather than attempting to add substitute events.

A five-week gap appears in the calendar

The championship now faced 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.

Formula 1 2026 Calendar: Updated