Formula 1 Cancels Bahrain, Saudi Arabian Grands Prix Over Middle East Security Concerns

Formula 1 has cancelled the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix amid rising security concerns amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

The sport’s governing body, Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), confirmed that the decision followed a series of security assessments which concluded that staging the races would not be safe while the conflict persists.

The Bahrain Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit had been scheduled for April 10 to 12. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at Jeddah Corniche Circuit was due to follow a week later.

In a statement issued ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix on Saturday, the FIA said neither race would 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 reduce the 2026 championship schedule from 24 races to 22.

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

Formula 1 had explored the possibility of bringing in replacement venues, including Portugal’s Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Italy’s Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari and Turkey’s Istanbul Park.

However, organisers concluded that arranging a race at short notice would prove difficult due to logistics, ticketing, and the strain on already stretched personnel.

The two cancellations are expected to cost the sport more than £100 million. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are among the highest-paying hosts on the Formula 1 calendar, with fees typically shared between teams and the commercial rights holder, Formula One Group.

Despite the financial blow, officials insisted the decision was unavoidable.