Formula 1 Cancels Bahrain and Saudi Grands Prix Amid Middle East Conflict

Airspace closures and security concerns force F1 to call off two April races

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:21am

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Formula 1 has canceled its upcoming grands prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The decision comes after a U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28 that has plunged the region into turmoil, with Iran issuing retaliatory strikes in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Bahrain's airspace remains closed, and fuel storage tanks on Muharraq Island near the airport were struck, making it impossible for the race to proceed as scheduled on April 12. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, set for April 19, has also been canceled.

Why it matters

The cancellation of these two races creates a large gap in the Formula 1 calendar between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, with too little time to arrange any replacement rounds. This will result in a financial hit for Formula 1 and the teams, as the race fees paid by Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are significant. The sport also has grands prix scheduled in Qatar and the UAE later in the season, but those events are not until the end of the year, giving Formula 1 more time to monitor the situation in the region.

The details

Formula 1 CEO and President Stefano Domenicali stated that while the decision to cancel the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races was difficult, it was the right call given the current situation in the Middle East. The FIA and the race promoters were understanding of the decision. The cancellation of these two events provisionally reduces the 2026 Formula 1 season from 24 to 22 grands prix.

  • The Bahrain Grand Prix was scheduled for April 12, 2026.
  • The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was scheduled for April 19, 2026.

The players

Stefano Domenicali

CEO and President of Formula 1.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem

President of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile), the governing body of Formula 1.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Stefano Domenicali, CEO and President of Formula 1

What’s next

Formula 1 will continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East as it prepares for the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix later in the season.

The takeaway

The cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix highlights the impact that geopolitical conflicts can have on the global sporting calendar, as Formula 1 is forced to make difficult decisions to ensure the safety of its drivers, teams, and fans.