The Formula One calendar has suffered a major disruption after two April races were cancelled.
Events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were removed due to escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The Bahrain Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit was scheduled for April 10–12. Meanwhile, the Jeddah race at Jeddah Corniche Circuit was set for the following weekend.
Officials confirmed the races will neither be replaced nor rescheduled this season. As a result, the championship will now feature 22 races instead of 24.
This change also creates a five-week break between the Japanese Grand Prix and the Miami Grand Prix.
The Chief Executive Officer of Formula One Stefano Domenicali admitted the decision was extremely difficult for the sport’s leadership.
“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,” Domenicali said.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their support.”
“We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so.”
Conflict forces costly decision as F1 faces huge financial hit
Organisers in Bahrain expressed full backing for the sport’s cautious approach. Prime Minister of Bahrain Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said the circuit understood the difficult circumstances.
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“We fully support the decision by Formula 1, and we are grateful to them and to the FIA,” he said.
“We look forward to welcoming fans from all around the world back to Bahrain when F1 returns.”
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia also accepted the cancellation despite preparations in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sports Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal stressed the kingdom remained committed to global sport.
“We respect the decision taken by Formula 1 regarding the 2026 race calendar,” Al Faisal stated.
The cancellation could cost the sport more than £100 million in lost hosting revenue. Both Middle Eastern races traditionally pay among the highest fees on the calendar.
Teams will now benefit from a longer development window between races. The unexpected break also allows engineers to refine cars under Formula One’s new power unit regulations.
Tags: Bahrain Grand Prix, Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Formula One, F1, Formula 1, Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Crown Prince of Bahrain, Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, CEO of F1, Stefano Domenicali, Middle East conflict.
