Formula 1 has officially announced that the Bahrain Grand Prix (April 10–12) and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (April 17–19) will not take place as scheduled this April. While no immediate substitutions have been named, the door remains open for these events to be rescheduled later in the season. For now, the 2026 calendar will see a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix and the Miami Grand Prix in May.
The decision follows extensive consultations between the FIA and local promoters regarding the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Security concerns and logistical disruptions to air and maritime freight have made it impossible to proceed with the April dates. Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, emphasized that the move was necessary given the current circumstances, adding, "We ...