F1 cancels Bahrain & Saudi Arabia Grand Prix

F1 has reduced its championship from 24 rounds to 22, after cancelling two races in the Middle East

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekends in April have been cancelled as a result of the war in the Middle East.

Formula 1 has concluded after “careful evaluations” that it is not safe to hold either race because of the ongoing conflict across the region.
The Bahrain event at Sakhir was scheduled for 10-12 April, while the Saudi event in Jeddah would have taken place a week later.
The races will not be rescheduled or replaced, so the F1 season will be reduced to 22 races and there will be a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on 27-29 March and Miami on 1-3 May.
F1 president and chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali said: “While this was a difficult decision to take, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their support and total understanding as they were looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion. We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so.”
Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, chief executive of the Bahrain International Circuit said: “We fully support the decision by Formula 1, and we are grateful to them and to the FIA for their support and enduring partnership. We look forward to welcoming fans from all around the world back to Bahrain when F1 returns.”
Cancellations of the race weekends mean the sport will take a commercial hit of well over £100m as Bahrain and Saudi Arabia pay two of the largest hosting fees on the circuit.
That money is split between the 11 teams and F1 itself, according to the sports complicated revenue structure.
Saudi minister of sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal said the country had been ready to host the race.
“We respect the decision taken by Formula 1 regarding the 2026 race calendar,” he said. “However, Saudi Arabia was fully prepared to host the race once again in Jeddah, building on the success of the five editions we have delivered so far.
“We want the international sporting community to know that the Kingdom remains a trusted partner and destination for global sport.”
(BBC)