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F1 cancels Bahrain & Saudi Arabia Grands Prix

The cancellations reduce the 2026 F1 season from 24 to 22 races, creating a five-week gap due to safety concerns amid escalating Middle East conflict, FIA said.

  • Formula 1 and the FIA cancelled the Bahrain Grand Prix scheduled April 12 and the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix scheduled April 19 on safety grounds, announcing this Sunday in Shanghai.
  • Both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia had been struck during Iran's response after US and Israeli attacks, prompting safety concerns and the cancellation of the races in mid-April.
  • The decision leaves a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, with no replacement races after alternatives including a Suzuka double‑header and Portimão and Imola were considered.
  • Hosts and teams face an estimated $100 million combined loss in fees, F1 teams lose several million each but save on travel costs, and Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds are cancelled.
  • FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said, 'The FIA will always place the safety and well-being of our community and colleagues first', and noted rescheduling was not ruled out, as F1's packed calendar has no obvious open dates.
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Lean Left

The Formula 1 season is underway and the new cars are causing a stir. At the same time, the Iran war is stopping the upcoming Formula 1 races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Back home in Södertälje, 17-year-old Milla Sjöstrand has her sights set on becoming the first female driver in F1 in over 50 years.

·Stockholm, Sweden
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Lean Right

The rejection of the Grands Prix of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia not only has logistical consequences for the teams, but also affects several sporting aspects

·Berlin, Germany
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Center

For a long time it was rumored and discussed, now the hammer is perfect: the FIA cuts two races from the Formula 1 calendar.

·Germany
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rnd.de broke the news in Germany on Friday, March 13, 2026.
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