F1 drops Bahrain & Saudi rounds
F1 is set to cancel the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix amid Middle East conflict, trimming the 2026 calendar down to 22 races and prompting wider April cancellations — major logistical shock for teams and sponsors Sportstar ESPN.
Bahrain had been slotted for April 12 and Jeddah for April 19 in the 2026 timetable, and multiple outlets reported a March 20 freight cut‑off as the logistical hinge that accelerated decisions. espn.com Broadcasters and rights holders told media there was insufficient time to organise same‑date replacements on F1’s packed March–December itinerary, leaving April likely to be empty of world championship events. skysports.com Support paddock knock‑on effects were immediate: Formula 2 and Formula 3 had scheduled rounds in Bahrain, and the World Endurance Championship already moved its Qatar season‑opener to Imola after citing regional safety concerns. asianmotorsport.com Circuits mooted as back‑up venues included Imola and Portugal’s Portimão, but coverage said organisers lacked the lead time to convert them into grands prix, while trade reports flagged potential hosting‑fee shortfalls in excess of £100m. grandprix247.com
