Official: Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs in Jeddah cancelled – here is why the FIA decided not to run F1 races in April
It is now official. The Grands Prix of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in Jeddah will not take place in April due to the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East. The decision has been confirmed by Formula 1 and the FIA after a series of evaluations carried out over the past few hours.
According to the official communication, the two races will not be replaced with other events. This means that the Formula 1 calendar will remain inactive throughout the entire month of April, creating an unprecedented gap in the 2026 season schedule.
No replacement races on the Formula 1 calendar
In the statement released today, it was explained that, although several alternatives had been considered, it was ultimately decided not to add new races during the month of April. The decision also involves the support categories. Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy will therefore not contest the rounds that had originally been scheduled during those two race weekends.
The choice was made in full agreement between the FIA, Formula One Management and the promoters of the two events. Not replacing the rounds is primarily a logistical decision and also related to costs. Furthermore, it would have been extremely difficult to select alternative venues and organize replacement events within such a short timeframe.
Domenicali: “A difficult but necessary decision”
The president and CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, explained the reasoning behind the choice. “It was a difficult decision to take, but unfortunately it is the right one at this moment considering the current situation in the Middle East.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the FIA and our incredible promoters for the support and understanding they have shown. We look forward to returning to them as soon as circumstances allow.”
Why the Jeddah and Bahrain Grands Prix were cancelled
The president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, expressed a similar position, underlining that the priority had been the safety of the entire Formula 1 community. “The FIA will always put the safety and well-being of our community and our colleagues first. After careful evaluations we have taken this decision with a great sense of responsibility. We hope that the region can soon return to stability.”
Ben Sulayem also recalled how important Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are for the ecosystem of the Formula 1 season, expressing hope that racing will soon return to both countries.
The local promoters have also expressed their full support for the decision. Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, chief executive of the Bahrain International Circuit, stated: “We fully support the decision taken by Formula 1 and thank the FIA for their support and partnership. We look forward to welcoming fans from all around the world again when Formula 1 returns to Bahrain.”
Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, president of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, shared similar thoughts. “We respect the decision taken by Formula 1 regarding the 2026 calendar. Fans in the Kingdom were once again looking forward to the Jeddah Grand Prix, but we understand the reasons behind this choice.”
The 2026 Formula 1 season is therefore preparing to experience a forced month-long break, while waiting for the international situation to allow racing to return to the Middle East once again.
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