- Formula 1 Get the best seats for F-1 races at Tickets MARCA
- Formula 1 What happens to the Formula One 2026 calendar after Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix cancellations
- Formula 1 Lewis Hamilton will not be able to accompany Kim Kardashian to the Oscars for an important reason that will not affect him
Formula One has canceled its April races in the Middle East, forcing the championship into an unexpected month-long break as the ongoing regional conflict continues to disrupt the global sports calendar.
The series confirmed Saturday that the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will not take place as scheduled, citing the ongoing "situation" in the Middle East. Officials added that no replacement races will be added to the calendar.
The cancellations also affect all scheduled support series events, including Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 Academy rounds planned for the same venues.
In a statement posted on social media, Formula One said the decision followed extensive evaluation of possible alternatives but ultimately prioritized safety and logistical certainty.
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April. Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East the Grands Prix, alongside F2, F3, and F1 Academy rounds, will not take place as scheduled. While alternatives were considered, no substitutions will be made in April.
Formula One pauses calendar amid regional instability
Formula One president and CEO Stefano Domenicali described the move as difficult but necessary, noting that the decision was made in coordination with the FIA governing body and local race promoters.
"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.
He also thanked promoters in both countries for their cooperation and expressed hope the championship would return once conditions improve.
"We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so," he added.
The cancellations create an unexpected gap in the racing schedule, leaving teams without competition throughout April - a rare midseason pause in the tightly packed Formula One calendar.
Later races remain scheduled but face uncertainty
Despite the April cancellations, several races later in the season remain on the calendar in regions geographically close to the conflict, raising questions about potential future disruptions.
Among the events still scheduled are:
- Azerbaijan Grand Prix - September 26
- Qatar Grand Prix - November 29
- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - December 6
Formula One has not indicated any immediate changes to those races, though the situation will continue to be monitored as the season progresses.
For now, the sport faces an unusual interruption, underscoring how geopolitical tensions can ripple across even the most globalized sporting competitions.