The rumor has been circulating for a few days and is becoming increasingly likely. The Formula 1 Grands Prix scheduled for Bahrain and Saudi Arabia could be canceled due to the ongoing instability in the Middle East. An official announcement could come very soon.
As the 2026 season continues this weekend in China with the second round of the championship, the races scheduled in the Middle East in April appear increasingly unlikely to take place. The Bahrain Grand Prix was due to be held on April 12 at the Sakhir circuit, while the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was planned for the following weekend, April 19, on the Jeddah street circuit.
The deteriorating geopolitical situation in the region makes organizing these two events particularly complex. Organizers, sports authorities, and teams are currently assessing the security risks and logistical constraints related to the situation.
Safety and transport compromised
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) and Liberty Media, owner of Formula 1's commercial rights, are closely monitoring the situation. The combination of regional instability and transportation difficulties could lead to a cancellation.
Those in charge of the sport believe that logistical problems are becoming difficult to overcome in such a short timeframe. Teams must ship a significant portion of their equipment by air or sea freight several days before each race.
A key factor is the March 20th deadline for sending freight to Bahrain. Without guarantees regarding security and transport conditions, the organizers may cancel both events.
More than a month without a Grand Prix?
If these two races were to be removed from the calendar, they would not be replaced or rescheduled for later in the season. This scenario would create a lengthy break in the world championship.
The current calendar includes the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29, followed by the Bahrain Grand Prix on April 12 and then the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on April 19. Without these two races, the next event after Suzuka would be Miami, scheduled for May 3.
Such a decision would therefore result in an interruption of more than a month between two Grands Prix and would reduce the 2026 Formula 1 world championship to 22 rounds.
The official announcement could be made in the coming hours or days.
