Bahrain & Saudi GPs axed

Formula 1 published its official notice on March 14, 2026 confirming there will be no F1 rounds in Bahrain or Saudi Arabia in April. (formula1.com)) The Bahrain weekend had been scheduled for 10–12 April at Sakhir and the Jeddah event for the following week (rounds four and five were listed as 12 April and 19 April on public calendars). (gpfans.com)) The 2026 season has been trimmed from 24 to 22 races, creating a five‑week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix (late March) and the Miami Grand Prix (1–3 May). (skysports.com)) A Guggenheim analyst note cited in coverage estimates the two cancellations will cost F1 roughly $190–200 million in revenue and about $80 million in EBITDA, while promoter fees from the Gulf region contribute materially to the sport’s income. (gpfans.com)) Industry reporting shows Saudi Arabia and Qatar pay about $55 million each per year to host F1, Bahrain around $45–52 million, and promoter fees represent roughly 27% (≈$1.03bn) of Formula One’s total revenues. (sportspro.com)) Media coverage and the F1 statement note that Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds scheduled for the same April windows will also not take place. (formula1.com)) Reporting says replacement venues were considered but ruled out because last‑minute substitutions posed insurmountable logistical and preparation challenges, leaving no April replacements on the 2026 calendar. (independent.co.uk))