Middle East war: Bahrain, Saudi Arabian grand prix cancelled

Middle east war

Formula 1 has cancelled the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to security concerns arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The sport’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), said the decision was taken after “careful evaluations” concluded it was not safe to hold either race while the conflict continues.

The Bahrain race at Sakhir had been scheduled for April 10–12, while the Saudi Arabian event in Jeddah was due to take place a week later.

In a statement released ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix on Saturday, the FIA confirmed that the races will not be rescheduled or replaced on the 2026 calendar.

“As always, the FIA will place the safety and well-being of our community and colleagues first. After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind,” said FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

The cancellations mean the Formula 1 season will now feature 22 races instead of 24.

It also creates a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix at the end of March and the Miami Grand Prix in early May. Punch