Middle East GPs canceled
Formula 1 has canceled both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix this year — promoters aren’t expecting insured losses because cancellation cover wasn’t bought — reshaping the early 2026 calendar (theinsurer.com). Teams now eye Europe — Ferrari is explicitly planning an ‘April fightback’ to close the gap to Mercedes as attention shifts to the Japanese Grand Prix and the Suzuka weekend becomes pivotal ( ).
The Bahrain round had been scheduled for April 12 and the Saudi race for April 19; Formula 1 and the FIA confirmed both events will not take place and said no April replacements will be made. (formula1.com) The removals cut the 2026 season from 24 rounds to 22 on the official calendar and create a five‑week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka (March 27–29) and the Miami Grand Prix (May 1–3). (formula1.com) Industry estimates put the combined commercial hit from lost hosting fees, broadcast adjustments and other race‑week activity at more than $100 million. (total-motorsport.com) Formula 1 reviewed potential replacement venues — names such as tracks in Italy, Turkey and Portugal were floated — but organisers concluded the late timing and logistics made substitutions unworkable. (independent.co.uk) Teams will use the empty April window for development and promotional work; Ferrari has lined up a private SF‑26 filming/test day during the break and has publicly framed an “April fightback” strategy aimed at closing the early gap to Mercedes. (planetf1.com) With Suzuka now the last race before the month‑long pause, the Japanese Grand Prix (March 27–29) takes on added championship importance and is the immediate focal point for live broadcasters and pundits. (formula1.com)
