Two major races on the 2026 Formula One calendar, the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, are set to be cancelled due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The races, which were scheduled for April, are key stops in the championship season and among the most high-profile motorsport events in the region.
The races were scheduled to take place at the Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain and the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
However, rising tensions across the Middle East have raised serious safety concerns for drivers, teams, staff, and fans traveling to the region.
Recent military developments involving Iran, Israel and the United States have heightened fears of further instability, forcing sporting organisations to reassess major international events in the region.
Formula One officials and the sport’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), are believed to be reviewing security risks before issuing a final decision.
The Bahrain Grand Prix was originally set for April 12, with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix scheduled a week later on April 19.
Their removal would create a significant gap in the race calendar between the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka in late March and the Miami Grand Prix in early May.
The potential cancellations could have major financial consequences for the sport and host countries.
Both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia pay among the highest hosting fees on the Formula One calendar, often exceeding tens of millions of dollars per race.
These races are also central to the Middle East’s growing role in global motorsport, attracting large international audiences and boosting tourism revenue.
Saudi Arabia, in particular, has invested heavily in motorsport as part of broader efforts to diversify its economy and promote international sporting events.
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has quickly become one of the most prominent night races on the calendar since its debut in 2021.
The cancellation could also affect junior championships that race alongside Formula One.
Support series such as Formula 2 and Formula 3 were scheduled to compete during the Bahrain and Saudi race weekends.
Organisers may now need to explore alternative venues or adjust the racing calendar to ensure young drivers in those championships can still complete their seasons.
Although Formula One has faced occasional disruptions, race cancellations are relatively rare.
One of the most notable examples occurred during the 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix, which was cancelled due to political unrest during the Arab Spring.
Formula One and the FIA are expected to make an official announcement in the coming days after further consultations with race promoters, teams, and regional authorities.