F1 calendar cut to 22

Formula 1 and the FIA announced the decision on March 14, 2026, formally stating the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds would not take place in April. (formula1.com) The cancelled race weekends had been scheduled for April 12 (Bahrain) and April 19 (Saudi Arabia), dates that were removed from the championship timetable. (espn.com) The official F1 statement said no substitute events will be staged in April and confirmed the associated FIA Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds were also called off for those weekends. (formula1.com) F1 cited regional security and complex logistics — including freight movement deadlines — as key factors in the timing of the call, and sources told ESPN that Saudi organisers had pressed for the race to proceed before F1 elected to withdraw. (espn.com) Stefano Domenicali said the decision was “the right one at this stage” and that F1 “cannot wait to be back” once circumstances allow, while FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said safety and wellbeing were the priority. (formula1.com) Industry commentary and analyst notes put the commercial hit in the tens to low hundreds of millions: some outlets cited an approximate £100m impact on host fees and ticket income, while an analyst note reported a potential $190–$200m revenue hit. (independent.co.uk) The F1 calendar retained its next scheduled rounds — the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka ran March 27–29 and the Miami Grand Prix is set for May 1–3 — dates that created the multi‑week gap used by teams and series organisers to reassess logistics and plans. (formula1.com)