• Formula 1 cancels the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix scheduled for April.
• The decision is linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
• FIA and F1 prioritizing safety over the racing schedule.
• No replacement races will be added to the calendar.
• This marks a reduction of the racing season from 24 to 22 events.

Formula 1 has officially announced that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, scheduled for April 10-19, 2026, will not take place due to the escalating geopolitical conflict in the Middle East, particularly the US-Israeli war with Iran. The decision underscores safety concerns amid ongoing Iranian drone and missile attacks affecting the region, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated that safety remains the paramount concern for all involved, emphasizing that challenges in logistics and regional instability made it impossible to guarantee safe events. The sport's governing body confirmed that, after evaluating several alternatives, no replacement races would be added to the calendar in April, leading to a reduction in the total season from 24 races to 22, as reported by Anadolu Agency and South China Morning Post.

The Bahrain Grand Prix was due to take place at the Sakhir circuit, while Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Grand Prix was scheduled for the following week. Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, highlighted the importance of both venues, stating: "Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are incredibly important to the ecosystem of our racing season," as noted in Al Jazeera and India Times.

Both countries have faced increased drone and missile strikes, and the logistical challenges posed by regional airport disruptions have heightened the necessity for this cancellation. FIA and Formula 1 had also considered logistical difficulties, including the timely transport of equipment needed for the races, which may further complicate efforts to reschedule, according to Channel News Asia and India Times.

As a result of these cancellations, there will be a five-week gap in the Formula 1 calendar, with the next race scheduled for Miami on May 3. The FIA expressed hope for stability in the region, with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia remaining vital partners for the future of F1, as articulated by Anadolu Agency and South China Morning Post.