Patryk Stachowiak
F1 Cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix; Season Enters Month-Long Break
Formula One will not air for over a month following the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix from the 2026 season calendar. The decision leaves just three races completed before the extended break.
Current Championship Standing
Kimi Antonelli leads the drivers’ championship after claiming victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, becoming the youngest ever leader of a world championship. Mercedes has dominated under the new regulations, winning all three races and securing second-place finishes in two of them.
Lewis Hamilton achieved his first podium of the season for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix. At the opposite end of the table, Aston Martin sits at zero points in the constructors’ championship, with drivers facing permanent nerve damage concerns related to car quality.
Max Verstappen has threatened to leave the sport amid a disappointing campaign and frustration with F1’s current direction, though a break may provide perspective for the struggling teams.
Why the Middle East Races Were Cancelled
Both races have been cancelled due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The decision follows escalating military tensions after a joint US-Israel operation against Iran commenced late last month. Retaliatory Iranian strikes have intensified regional instability and forced F1 leadership to prioritize fan safety.
F1 chiefs determined after careful evaluation that hosting either race poses unacceptable risk. Stefano Domenicali stated,
“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. 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.”
Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, chief executive of the Bahrain International Circuit, reinforced support for the decision:
“We fully support the decision by Formula 1, and we are grateful to them and to the FIA for their support and enduring partnership. We look forward to welcoming fans from all around the world back to Bahrain when F1 returns.”
Financial Impact and Calendar Adjustment
The cancellations will exceed £100 million in lost commercial revenue, as both countries pay among the calendar’s largest hosting fees. The 2026 calendar now comprises 22 races rather than the originally planned 24.
F1 returns on May 1-3 at the Miami Grand Prix, held at Miami International Autodrome. The race begins at 9pm BST on Sunday, May 3, ending the month-long hiatus and resuming competition.