FORMULA ONE PULLS PLUG ON BAHRAIN AND SAUDI RACES - KNews 14/3
Safety fears and ongoing missile strikes force cancellation of two key Grands Prix, reshaping the 2026 F1 calendar
Formula One is set to cancel two major races in the Middle East as escalating conflict in the region forces the sport to put safety ahead of speed.
The Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April, are expected to be officially called off after weeks of uncertainty caused by military tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
The decision follows continued missile strikes and retaliatory attacks across parts of the Gulf, which have raised serious concerns about whether thousands of fans, racing teams, and staff could safely travel to and attend the events.
Formula One management and the sport’s governing body, the FIA, had been monitoring the situation closely since military operations began late last month. But with the races fast approaching and equipment shipments needing to begin within days, organizers were left with little room to wait any longer.
According to reports, cancelling the races became the only realistic option.
The Bahrain race was due to take place from April 10 to 12, followed by Saudi Arabia a week later. Both countries have reportedly been affected by regional strikes since the conflict intensified, making it difficult for officials to guarantee security around large international gatherings.
Unlike other sporting events, Formula One races cannot easily be moved at short notice. Each Grand Prix requires months of planning, complex logistics, and the transport of hundreds of tons of cars, tools, and technical equipment across continents.
As a result, replacing the races with alternative venues is considered unlikely.
If confirmed, the cancellations will create a rare break in the F1 calendar. After the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka on March 29, the championship would pause for nearly a month before resuming in Miami on May 3.
The move also carries a financial impact. Middle Eastern races are among the most profitable stops on the Formula One calendar, with host nations paying tens of millions of euros in fees to stage the events.
The situation has also sparked questions about the remainder of the season, with later races in the region, including Qatar and Abu Dhabi, now under closer review should tensions continue.
*Source BBC, The Sun, Sky News
