Formula 1 is poised to cancel the upcoming Grand Prix events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia by the conclusion of this weekend due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. This troubling situation has brought uncertainty to the Formula 1 calendar for the 2026 season, effectively reducing the total number of races from 23 to 22.
The Bahrain Grand Prix was initially scheduled to take place from April 10 to 12, marking the fourth round of the new season, while the race in Saudi Arabia in the city of Jeddah was slated for the following week, from April 17 to 19. However, the region has found itself embroiled in serious unrest, especially as Iran has allegedly retaliated against US-Israeli air strikes by targeting Gulf states, including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Safety is a fundamental priority for both Formula 1 and the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), and the deteriorating conditions in the Middle East have raised significant concerns for the sport. Reports from Sky Sports News indicate that an official announcement regarding the cancellation of the races expected for April will likely be made by the end of Sunday. Moreover, it appears that these events will not be replaced or substituted on the F1 calendar, which is densely packed with races from March through December, ultimately resulting in a season with only 22 weekends of Grand Prix action.
There has been speculation regarding possible alternative venues, with locations such as the Portimão circuit in Portugal and the Imola circuit in Italy being mentioned as candidates to fill the gap left by the canceled races. However, the timeframe to organize and successfully implement additional events for April is considered too limited, diminishing the likelihood of such changes being made.
F1 and the FIA have not issued any public statements related to the cancellations or their ramifications, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the situation. As the season progresses, teams and drivers will need to navigate the implications of these cancellations, particularly in terms of strategy and preparation for the remaining races.
With the cancellation of races in April, fans can expect a considerable five-week lull in the schedule between the Japanese Grand Prix — which is set to take place from March 27 to 29 — and the Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for May 1 to 3. This significant break could have various effects on teams, including the possible disruption of momentum, adjustments to training regimens, and logistical challenges concerning car development.
Currently, the Formula 1 circus is in Shanghai for the eagerly anticipated Chinese Grand Prix. George Russell has claimed the pole position for the Saturday Sprint, which will commence at 3 AM, followed by full qualifying sessions scheduled for 7 AM, with the main race taking place on Sunday at the same hour. As the teams prepare for these forthcoming events, the focus will inevitably center around how they adapt to the ongoing changes and uncertainties in the world of motorsport, as well as how they strategize for the races still ahead amidst the shifting landscape of the 2026 season.
Formula 1 2026 Calendar – Updated
| Australia | March 6-8 | Netherlands | August 21-23* |
| China | March 13-15* | Italy | September 4-6 |
| Japan | March 27-29 | Madrid | September 11-13 |
| Miami | May 1-3* | Azerbaijan | September 24-26 |
| Canada | May 22-24* | Singapore | October 9-11* |
| Monaco | June 5-7 | USA | October 23-25 |
| Barcelona | June 12-14 | Mexico | Oct 30-Nov 1 |
| Austria | June 26-28 | Brazil | November 6-8 |
| Great Britain | July 3-5* | Las Vegas | November 19-21 |
| Belgium | July 17-19 | Qatar | November 27-29 |
| Hungary | July 24-26 | Abu Dhabi | December 4-6 |
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