Formula One is expected to cancel the upcoming Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to the ongoing conflict in the region. The races were originally set for April as part of the 2026 season, with Bahrain scheduled for April 10-12 and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the following weekend.
The decision to cancel both races comes as both countries have been affected by the conflict involving Iran, the USA, and Israel. This move will reduce the season’s schedule from 24 races to 22, as reported by Sky Sports. Both Formula One and the FIA are yet to officially comment on the situation.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed concern for the events scheduled in the region, emphasizing the importance of safety and wellbeing in decision-making. He mentioned the organization’s unity and shared purpose in handling the situation.
Racing Bulls’ CEO, Peter Bayer, also acknowledged the circumstances in the Middle East but focused on the present, expressing trust in the FIA’s decision-making process. With the cancellation of the races, there will be no Formula One action in April, leading to a five-week gap before the Miami Grand Prix in May.
In current events, the Formula One circuit is in Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix, where George Russell of Mercedes is poised to start on pole for the Sprint. Russell leads the early driver standings with 25 points. His teammate, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, follows closely in second place.
Sky has enhanced its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to include popular streaming services like HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, and more, alongside comprehensive Formula One coverage. Sky offers exclusive broadcasts of practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and races throughout the season, in addition to coverage of other sports leagues and events.