Bahrain & Saudi races axed
F1 has cancelled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix and confirmed those April slots won’t be replaced, creating a longer mid-season break ( ). That makes the Japanese Grand Prix an even bigger focal point for Mercedes vs. Ferrari as the championship resumes (espn.com).
Formula 1 confirmed on March 14, 2026 that the Bahrain weekend (scheduled April 10–12, race on April 12) and the Saudi Arabian weekend (scheduled April 17–19, race on April 19) will not take place in April. (formula1.com) The cancellations cut the 2026 championship from 24 planned rounds to 22 and create a five‑week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix (March 27–29) and the Miami Grand Prix (May 1–3). (motorsport.com) Formula 1 said it considered alternatives but decided no replacement races would be held in April, and it explicitly cancelled the Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy support rounds that had been due to run on those weekends. (formula1.com) Bahrain International Circuit announced refunds or redeemable credit notes for ticket‑holders after the cancellation, while Saudi sports officials and the Jeddah promoter issued statements saying they remained ready to host once the regional situation allows. (timeoutbahrain.com) The sport and the FIA pointed to the ongoing security situation in the Middle East and the logistical challenge of moving F1’s global freight as central factors in the decision, according to the official statement and contemporaneous reporting. (formula1.com) With April cleared from the calendar, Suzuka’s March 27–29 Japanese weekend now serves as the last competitive stop before the paddock’s extended hiatus and the championship restart at the Miami International Autodrome on May 1–3. (formula1.com)
