Formula 1 cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix amid escalating Middle East tensions

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) announced that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, originally scheduled for April, will not take place due to the ongoing security situation in the Middle East.

After conducting a thorough evaluation and consulting with stakeholders, the governing body confirmed that no replacement races will be scheduled for the April slots. The decision was taken in coordination with Formula One Group, local race promoters, and regional motorsport authorities.

Races affected by the decision

Two major races in the early part of the season will be impacted:

• Bahrain Grand Prix – originally scheduled for April 10–12

• Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – originally scheduled for April 17–19

Both races are key events in the Formula 1 calendar and traditionally attract thousands of fans and international visitors.

The cancellations come amid heightened regional tensions, with both countries facing weeks of Iranian drone and missile attacks following the escalating conflict involving the United States and Israel and their war with Iran.

FIA prioritises safety

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized that safety considerations were central to the decision. “The FIA will always place the safety and well-being of our community and colleagues first,” Ben Sulayem said in a statement.

He added that the decision was taken responsibly after extensive consultation and thanked all stakeholders involved, including race promoters, partners, and teams, for their cooperation and collaborative approach during the process.

Ben Sulayem also expressed hope that the region will return to stability soon, allowing international motorsport events to resume safely.

Impact on other racing series

The disruption will not be limited to Formula 1 alone. Several other racing championships governed by the FIA will also be affected. Rounds scheduled in the region for the following series will either be postponed or cancelled during their planned timeframes:

• FIA Formula 2 Championship

• FIA Formula 3 Championship

• F1 Academy

These series often run alongside Formula 1 race weekends and rely on the same event infrastructure.

Upcoming races remain on schedule

Despite the cancellations in the Middle East, the rest of the calendar is expected to proceed as planned for now.

The next confirmed races include:

• Japanese Grand Prix – March 27–29 in Suzuka

• Miami Grand Prix – May 1–3 in Miami

Formula 1 organizers said they will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with authorities and local partners to ensure the safety of teams, staff, and fans.

A collaborative decision

The FIA said the cancellation decision was made collectively and responsibly, following full consultation with the Formula One Group, race promoters, and FIA member clubs across the region.

The governing body reiterated that while the loss of two races is disappointing for fans and teams, ensuring the safety of everyone involved in the championship remains the top priority.