Formula 1 has formalized a major decision regarding its 2026 calendar. Due to the security situation in the Middle East, two races scheduled for April have been cancelled.
Read more The FIA justifies the cancellation of two Grands Prix due to the crisis in the Middle East
Formula 1 has confirmed that the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will not take place as planned in April. The two events were originally scheduled to follow each other during a double-header race weekend, scheduled from April 10 to 12 and then from April 17 to 19.
However, the deterioration of the geopolitical situation in the region has pushed the championship’s governing bodies to review their plans. After several discussions and evaluations, the decision was made to purely and simply cancel these two rounds of the world championship.
Sports authorities felt that current conditions did not allow for the smooth running of the events or the safety of everyone involved.
Impossible to modify the calendar
Unlike other motorsport championships that have chosen to move certain races, Formula 1 has indicated that no viable solution has been found to reposition these two events in the 2026 F1 calendar.
For example, the World Endurance Championship recently decided to postpone its Qatar race until later in the season to preserve its calendar. But in the case of Formula 1, the already very busy schedule leaves no room to add new dates.
Championship officials therefore concluded that it was impossible to reschedule the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races for another time of the year.
An unusual break in the season
The cancellation of these two races will have a direct consequence on the rhythm of the championship. No other event will replace these dates in April.
The calendar will therefore experience an unusual five-week interruption between two Grands Prix. After the race scheduled in Japan on March 29, drivers and teams will have to wait until the Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for May 3, to resume competition.
This forced break could nevertheless offer teams an unexpected opportunity to work more on the development of their cars during the season.
The FIA justifies its decision
In an official statement, the FIA explained that this decision was made after numerous consultations with the various stakeholders of the championship.
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“It was confirmed today that after a thorough evaluation, due to the current situation in the Middle East, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April.”
The federation also specifies that the support categories will also be affected by this decision.
“The FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds scheduled for these weekends will not take place on the originally scheduled dates.”
Domenicali speaks of a difficult decision
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali acknowledged that this decision was not an easy one to make.
“Even though this decision was difficult, it is unfortunately the right one to make given the current situation in the region.”
The Italian leader also wanted to thank the local organizers for their understanding.
“I would like to thank the FIA as well as our promoters for their support and total understanding. They were looking forward to welcoming us with their usual energy and passion.”
Domenicali finally assured that Formula 1 hoped to be able to return to these countries as soon as conditions allow.
“We look forward to returning as soon as circumstances allow us to do so.”