F1 Reduces 2026 Calendar to 22 Races After Gulf Grands Prix Cancellation
Share
F1 Cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix Amid Middle East Tensions
Formula 1 has officially announced the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, a decision prompted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. As a result, the 2026 calendar for the racing series will be condensed to 22 races.
Key Highlights
- Both races were originally scheduled for April 10-12 and April 17-19, respectively.
- The cancellations come in light of recent attacks in the Gulf region.
- A five-week gap will occur between the Japanese Grand Prix and the Miami Grand Prix.
- F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed gratitude for the promoters’ understanding during this difficult time.
The Bahrain Grand Prix was set to be the fourth round of the season, with the Saudi Arabian race following closely behind. Both events have been impacted by escalating tensions, including retaliatory actions from Iran against U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. The decision not to replace these events on the 2026 schedule underscores the seriousness of the situation.
In the lead-up to the announcement, several alternative venues were considered, but ultimately the safety of the participants and fans took precedence. F1’s announcement came just ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, which will proceed as planned. This cancellation is significant, especially as it marks a notable shift in the calendar, as the sport had anticipated a full schedule.
“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,” said Stefano Domenicali. He emphasized the need for safety over all else and thanked the FIA and local promoters for their support during this challenging time.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem echoed these sentiments, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all involved in the sport. He expressed hope for a return to stability in the region and a future return to both venues, which are integral to the F1 calendar.
With the cancellation of these races, the 2026 F1 season will have a notable gap between events. Following the Japanese Grand Prix from March 27-29, the next race will be the Miami Grand Prix on May 1-3, marking a five-week hiatus in race action. Fans and teams alike will be looking forward to the upcoming events and hoping for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflicts.
For the latest updates and coverage, fans can stay tuned to Sky Sports.
