Formula 1 is expected to remove the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix from the 2026 calendar following escalating conflict in the Middle East, with an official announcement anticipated within the next 48 hours, Trybal News reports.
The two races, scheduled as rounds four and five of the season on April 12 in Sakhir and April 19 in Jeddah, are set to be cancelled due to growing security concerns across the region according to The Independent. Reports indicate that Iranian missile strikes have targeted several locations in the Middle East, including the Bahraini capital Manama, where attacks earlier this week left 32 people injured following a drone strike. Parts of Saudi Arabia have also reportedly been targeted since the conflict began two weeks ago.
With tensions continuing to rise, Formula 1 officials have determined that staging the races would present significant safety risks for teams, staff and fans. Although the possibility of replacing the cancelled rounds with European circuits was discussed, the logistical challenges of arranging alternative venues at short notice have made that option impractical.
As a result, Formula 1 is expected to simply remove both races from the schedule, reducing the 2026 season calendar to 22 events. Sources suggest it is highly unlikely the races will be rescheduled later in the year.
The cancellations will create a five week break in the championship between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
Concerns about the Middle East events had been growing since the outbreak of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28. Retaliatory Iranian airstrikes have reportedly struck major hotels in Manama, facilities that often accommodate Formula 1 teams and personnel during race weekends.
Travel across the region has also been affected, with major international hubs including Doha and Dubai experiencing disruptions, although some operations have gradually resumed.
Formula 1 previously managed to overcome similar challenges earlier in the season when airport closures forced teams to travel to the season opener in Melbourne using chartered flights routed through Singapore and Tanzania. However, with freight scheduled to be transported to the Middle East following the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend, the sport is expected to confirm that racing in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia next month will not go ahead.
The financial impact of the cancellations is expected to be significant. Hosting fees from the two events are estimated to total at least £100 million. Saudi Arabia reportedly pays around £55 million for its race, one of the highest fees on the calendar alongside Qatar, while Bahrain contributes approximately £45 million.
Both countries also maintain strong links with Formula 1 beyond hosting races. Bahrain holds ownership of the McLaren team, while Saudi Arabia remains a major partner of the sport through the state owned oil company Aramco.
Speaking ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, seven time world champion Lewis Hamilton expressed confidence that Formula 1 leadership would make the correct decision regarding the races.
“I know that (F1 CEO) Stefano (Domenicali) will do what is right for all of us and the sport. That is the great thing with having a great leader like him.”
Several Formula 1 team principals have also stressed that the safety of drivers, team members and fans must remain the top priority, adding that they trust the sport’s leadership to make the appropriate call.
