FIA Cancels Bahrain and Saudi Grands Prix as Middle East War Shuts 2026 F1 Calendar

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) officially cancelled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix from the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.

“Will the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races be rescheduled”

AS USA

This reduces the season from 24 races to 22 events.

AS USA

The Bahrain Grand Prix was scheduled for April 10-12 at the Sakhir circuit near Manama.

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was planned for April 17-19 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

The cancellations were confirmed ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix weekend.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali stated this was a difficult but necessary decision.

Both races attracted hundreds of thousands of fans annually.

They represented significant sporting and economic events in the Gulf region.

The cancellations stem from direct security threats posed by the Iran-US-Israel conflict.

Retaliatory missile and drone strikes have hit across the Gulf region.

AS USA

Multiple sources confirm Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been targeted by Iranian attacks since February 28.

Missiles struck locations dangerously close to the circuits.

In Bahrain, a missile hit approximately 20 miles from the circuit.

Debris struck an industrial zone in Oman just 15 miles from the Bahrain National Communication Centre.

A U.S. military base is located only 30 minutes from the Bahrain International Circuit.

Saudi Arabia's Jeddah circuit was also deemed too risky due to unpredictable conflict dynamics.

The cancellations create an unprecedented five-week gap in the F1 calendar.

“There is no formal announcement yet but cancellation is inevitable with no let up in the war”

BBC

No races are scheduled between the Japanese Grand Prix (March 27-29) and Miami Grand Prix (May 1-3).

This represents significant disruption to the tightly packed championship schedule.

Formula 1 considered replacement venues including Portugal, Italy, and Istanbul tracks.

Logistical challenges ultimately outweighed the benefits of replacement races.

The densely packed 2026 calendar made adding new European dates impossible.

Unlike COVID-19 pandemic adjustments, broadcast contracts will be honored with 22 events.

This decision reflects the unique nature of the current geopolitical situation.

The cancellations carry substantial financial implications for Formula 1 and its teams.

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia represent two of the most lucrative events on the calendar.

BBC

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix contributes approximately £60 million annually.

Bahrain pays up to £40 million to host its event.

Saudi Arabia's Aramco sponsorship is worth around £40 million per season.

The total financial impact exceeds £100 million.

Losses will be distributed between teams and F1, with each taking a hit of several tens of millions.

The financial structure allows for the season to continue normally with 22 races.

The cancellations extend beyond Formula 1 to include all supporting series.

“Sources indicate that the announcement could be made before the end of the weekend as the sport assesses the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape”

Business Matters

Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 Academy rounds have also been scrapped.

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This affects hundreds of additional drivers, teams, and personnel.

Later races in conflict-adjacent regions remain scheduled for now.

Azerbaijan Grand Prix is still planned for September 26.

Qatar Grand Prix remains scheduled for November 29.

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is still planned for December 6.

The situation will be monitored as the season progresses.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized safety as paramount concern.

Ben Sulayem stated 'The FIA will always place the safety and well-being of our community and colleagues first'.

He expressed hope for calm, safety, and swift return of stability in the region.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed gratitude to the promoters.

Domenicali acknowledged promoters were 'looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion'.

Both leaders expressed desire to return 'as soon as circumstances allow'.

This indicates willingness to resume Gulf racing once security stabilizes.

The Bahrain International Circuit supported the FIA's decision.