F1 cancels Bahrain, Saudi
Formula 1 has canceled the April Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix citing regional security concerns tied to the Iran war — the decision also wipes out associated F2, F3 and F1 Academy events on those weekends [](https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/48203712/f1-cancel-bahrain-saudi-arabia-races-iran-war).
The Bahrain round, planned for April 12 reported), and the Saudi race, planned for April 19 reported), were dropped from the calendar after Formula 1 and the FIA confirmed the events will not take place in April announced). Formula 1 said no substitutions will be made for those dates stated), a move that reduces the 2026 season from 24 to 22 rounds and leaves a five‑week gap between the Japanese GP (Mar 27–29) and Miami (May 1–3). reported) The FIA confirmed the decision also cancels the FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds that had been due to run on those weekends confirmed). Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 president and CEO, described the call as difficult but necessary given the regional situation said; Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA president, reiterated the FIA’s priority of safety and wellbeing in making the choice said). F1 sources and industry reporting say the timetable was accelerated by logistics — officials set a roughly 10‑day decision window to avoid sending additional freight to the Gulf — and that airspace and freight disruption were key factors in the cancellation explained). Promoters in both countries have outlined ticket processes: Saudi organisers say refunds will be processed automatically to original payment methods and have given contact details for queries advised, while Bahrain International Circuit is offering buyers a full refund or a credit note redeemable for a future Bahrain GP advised).
