Alkass English
Formula 1 announced on Saturday that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The race in Bahrain was scheduled for April 12 at the Sakhir circuit, while the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah was due to follow the next weekend. However, Formula 1 and the FIA confirmed the events will not be replaced on the calendar next month.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said the decision was taken after carefully assessing the regional situation.
“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,” Domenicali said.
The escalation in the region, including U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory drone and missile attacks, has disrupted travel and forced airport closures across parts of the Gulf.
The FIA said the decision was made in consultation with Formula 1, local organisers and national motorsport authorities, emphasising that the safety of teams, staff and fans remains the top priority.
As a result, the 2026 Formula 1 calendar will now be reduced from 24 to 22 races, with the next events scheduled in Japan on March 29 and Miami on May 3.