Formula 1 cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races due to security concerns
Formula 1 has cancelled two major races because of ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The sport’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), said safety was the top priority. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasised that the decision was made after careful consideration. The cancellations will reduce the number of races this season and have a significant financial impact.
Match highlights
- The Bahrain Grand Prix at Sakhir was scheduled for April 10–12, and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah was set for the following week.
- The FIA confirmed that neither race will be rescheduled or replaced on the 2026 calendar.
- The Formula 1 season will now have 22 races instead of 24, creating a five-week gap between the Japanese and Miami Grands Prix.
- Replacement venues were considered, but logistical challenges made it impossible to organise a new race at short notice.
- The cancellations are expected to cost the sport over ÂŁ100 million, as Bahrain and Saudi Arabia pay some of the highest hosting fees.
