The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April.
It has been confirmed that, after careful evaluations, the decision was made due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region.
Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 ACADEMY Also Affected
The Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 ACADEMY rounds will also not take place during their scheduled times.
Several alternatives were considered, but it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April.
The decision has been taken in full consultation with the FIA and respective promoters.
Statements from Key Figures
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said that while this was a difficult decision, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East.
He thanked the FIA and the promoters for their support and understanding, adding that he cannot wait to be back as soon as the circumstances allow.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, stated that the FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of their community and colleagues first.
He added that after careful consideration, the decision was taken with that responsibility firmly in mind. He hopes for calm, safety and a swift return to stability in the region, and his thoughts remain with all those affected by these recent events.
Ben Sulayem said that Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are incredibly important to the ecosystem of the racing season, and he looks forward to returning to both as soon as circumstances allow. He offered his sincere thanks to the promoters, partners, and colleagues across the championship for the collaborative and constructive approach.
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Respond
Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Bahrain International Circuit, said they fully support the decision by Formula 1 and are grateful to them and to the FIA for their support and enduring partnership.
He looks forward to welcoming fans from all around the world back to Bahrain when F1 returns and offered sincere thanks to all those in the F1 community who have taken the time to send messages of support, on behalf of everyone at BIC.
HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and Chairman of the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), said that the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation respect the decision taken by Formula 1 regarding the 2026 race calendar.
He added that fans across the Kingdom were once again looking forward to the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah this April, but they understand the considerations behind this decision and remain in close partnership with Formula 1.