BREAKING: FORMULA 1 BAHRAIN AND SAUDI ARABIAN GP CANCELLED
Formula 1 has confirmed that the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April 10–12 and April 17–19, have been cancelled due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Officials considered possible replacement races, but in the end no substitutes will be added to the calendar. Because of this decision, the 2026 Formula 1 season will now have 22 races instead of 24.
The cancellation also affects other series that were supposed to race during those weekends. Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 Academy events planned for Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have also been cancelled. However, organizers are still exploring the possibility of adding replacement rounds later in the year for these championships.
With the two races removed, Formula 1 will now have a one-month break (between Japan and Miami) during April, something that rarely happens during the middle of a season.
The situation has also impacted other motorsport categories. The World Endurance Championship (WEC) has postponed its Qatar Grand Prix, which was scheduled for March 28, also because of the security concerns related to the conflicts in the region.
Motorsport authorities say the decisions were made to prioritize the safety of teams, drivers, and fans while the situation in the Middle East remains uncertain.
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