Formula 1 has cancelled both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekends, most likely reducing the 2026 season from 24 to 22 races. The sport’s governing body concluded after careful evaluation that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East makes it unsafe to proceed with either event, with no direct plans to reschedule or replace the lost rounds. Read the official statement from F1 on Formula1.com.
The Bahrain Grand Prix at Sakhir had been set for 10–12 April, with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah to follow a week later. Their removal from the calendar leaves a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on 27–29 March and the next round in Miami on 1–3 May.
A Costly But Unavoidable Call
The decision carries a significant financial blow for the sport, with the two host nations among the highest-paying on the calendar. The lost hosting fees are estimated to exceed £100 million — revenue that is distributed between Formula 1 and its eleven competing teams. Both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia expressed their support for the decision, with each indicating they hope to return to the calendar when circumstances allow.
What Happens Next?
Alternative venues including Portimão, Imola, Istanbul and a second Japanese round were all explored, but none proved viable at such short notice given the logistical challenges, ticket sales and the strain already placed on F1 personnel following the shortest off-season in the sport’s history.
The unplanned break may prove to have a silver lining. It gives teams additional time to develop their cars and digest the lessons of the opening three races, while also creating space for Formula 1’s bosses to evaluate potential tweaks to the new regulations, which have drawn criticism over their impact on traditional racing. Engine development regulations may also be affected, with Honda — and potentially Red Bull Powertrains — in line to benefit from extra development allowances following a difficult start to the season under the new power unit rules.
