Follow Us on Google
By Lawrence Agbo
The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix have been cancelled by Formula 1 because of security concerns related to the current tensions in the Middle East.
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, the organization that governs the sport, stated that the decision was made after carefully evaluating the security situation in the area and determining that it would not be safe to hold the races while the violence is still going on.
The Saudi Arabian round at Jeddah Corniche Circuit was supposed to happen a week after the Bahrain race at Bahrain International Circuit, which was set for April 10–12.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated that the organization gave the safety and welfare of the motorsport community top priority when making the decision in a statement issued prior to the Chinese Grand Prix.
“As always, the FIA will place the safety and well-being of our community and colleagues first. After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind,” he said.
Other News
The cancellations reduce the 2026 F1 season to 22 races from the originally planned 24 and create a five-week break between the Japanese Grand Prix in late March and the Miami Grand Prix in early May.
Organisers had explored the possibility of replacement venues, including the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Italy, and Istanbul Park.
However, Formula 1 concluded that staging a race at short notice would be difficult due to logistical challenges, ticketing issues and the pressure on teams and personnel.
The decision is also expected to have a financial impact, with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia among the highest-paying hosts on the F1 calendar. The two races are estimated to generate more than £100 million in hosting fees, which are typically shared between teams and the sport’s commercial rights holder, Formula One Group.
Despite the financial implications, officials said the prevailing security situation left them with little choice but to cancel the races.
