Conflict in the Middle East has thrown the Formula One calendar into chaos with two of next month’s races due to be shelved amid major concerns over safety in the region
The Bahrain GP is set to be cancelled(Image: Getty Images)
Formula One is set to CANCEL next month’s Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia amid ongoing conflict in the region.
The two races were scheduled to take place in April as part of the 2026. The Bahrain GP was due to take place as the season’s fourth race across the weekend of April 10-12, while the Saudi Arabian City of Jeddah was due to host the following weekend.
But with both nations having been struck by Iran amid the ongoing conflict with the USA and Israel, the decision has been made to shelve both races, as per Sky Sports. That will see this season’s schedule reduced from 24 races to 22.
As it stands, both F1 and the FIA have yet to comment.
However, taking to social media last week, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “We are in close contact with our member clubs, championship promoters, teams and colleagues on the ground as we monitor developments carefully and responsibly.”‘
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He added: “Safety and wellbeing will guide our decisions as we assess the forthcoming events scheduled there for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the FIA Formula One World Championship. Our organization is built on unity and shared purpose. That unity matters now more than ever.”
Ben Sulayem said the FIA is “deeply saddened by the loss of life and stand with the families and communities impacted”, hoping for “calm, safety and a swift return to stability.”
Racing Bulls chief executive Peter Bayer also gave his verdict earlier this month. Speaking in Melbourne, he said: “What we said is, first of all, it’s still a month to go.
“Secondly, it’s also difficult to talk about it because I’m really sorry for the people and the situation (in the Middle East). But I also have to say that we are so focused on here, which is, for us now, really what matters at the moment.
“And I know Stefano (Domenicali) and the FIA, they’re monitoring the situation. And I trust they make the right decision for us as a team.”
With both races set to be cancelled, that means that there will be no F1 action throughout April. That will see teams face a five-week gap between the Japanese GP at the end of this month and the Miami GP in early May.
F1 is currently in Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix. British driver George Russell is due to be on pole for Saturday’s Sprint. The Mercedes star currently sits top of the early driver standings with 25 points following his success in Melbourne.
Teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli is second following a positive start to the season. Reigning champion Lando Norris sits in fifth on ten points, having not yet had a win or a podium finish.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of Formula 1.
Sky broadcasts every practice, qualifier and race throughout the season, as well as exclusive coverage of the Premier League, EFL, darts and golf.
