F1 release statement on Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix as decisions confirmed
As a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Formula One has confirmed their decision on the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix
by Stephen Killen · The MirrorFormula One have confirmed that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix will not take place in April due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Iran War, which is now into its second week, has seen Iranian forces retaliate with attacks on neighbouring Gulf countries after the United States and Israel's operation.
There will be no substitutions made in April, leaving the race calendar two meetings short. Formula Two, Three and F1 Academy rounds will also not take place during their scheduled times.
The 2026 Formula One season is officially underway after George Russell took first place in the curtain raiser in Melbourne, Australia. The war in the Middle East has dominated the headlines surrounding F1 as a decision was forced upon the governing body with two meetings set to take place in the region next month.
CEO and F1 president Stefano Domenicali said: "While this was a difficult decision to take, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East.
"I want to take this opportunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their support and total understanding as they were looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion. We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so.”
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The decision comes just weeks after testing in Bahrain, before America and Israel launched missiles on Iran on February 28 - killing Iran Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei.
Representatives of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian events respected and supported the decision made by race chiefs.
Chief Executive of the Bahrain International Circuit, Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, said: "We fully support the decision by Formula 1, and we are grateful to them and to the FIA for their support and enduring partnership.
"We look forward to welcoming fans from all around the world back to Bahrain when F1 returns. On behalf of all of us at BIC, I take this opportunity to offer our sincere thanks to all those in the F1 community who have taken the time to send us messages of support."
HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal added: "The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation respect the decision taken by Formula 1 regarding the 2026 race calendar.
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"Fans across the Kingdom were once again looking forward to the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah this April, but we understand the considerations behind this decision and remain in close partnership with Formula 1."
The second Grand Prix of the season takes place on Sunday with a Mercedes 1-2 in Shanghai with Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell at the front of the grid with former driver Lewis Hamilton, now of Ferrari, in third.