Formula 1 Cancels April Grands Prix Amid War In Middle East
Sad news has officially been announced for F1 fans.
Formula 1 and the FIA have confirmed that two upcoming races have been canceled due to the war in the Middle East.
The Bahrain Grand Prix (April 12) and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (April 19) will no longer take place, and there will be no substitutions.
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“While this was a difficult decision to take, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East,” President and CEO of Formula 1 Stefano Domenicali said in a statement. “I want to take this opportunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their support and total understanding as they were looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion. We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so.”
Though there were talks of other tracks being revitalized to take the place of the two April races, it was ultimately decided to just cancel the races altogether. This brings the year’s race count down to 22 from the scheduled 24.
In addition, Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy will also not take place during those times.
Executives for the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix expressed their full support for the FIA’s decision to cancel the races.
On Saturday (March 14), George Russell picked up the win at the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint Race. Later that day, his teammate Kimi Antonelli qualified in first for the 2026 Formula 1 Heineken Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday (March 15), while George will start in second and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton will start third.
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