The International Automobile Federation (FIA) announced the postponement of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, which were scheduled for April 12th and 19th, respectively, due to the worsening security situation in the Middle East. The decision was taken after consultations between the FIA, Formula 1 and local promoters, with the main priority being the safety of drivers, teams and the entire motorsport community.
The Sakhir circuit in Bahrain was scheduled to host the fourth stage of the season, while the Jeddah urban circuit in Saudi Arabia was scheduled to host the race the following weekend.. However, the escalation of the conflict in the region and the associated logistical difficulties led the authorities to conclude that there were no conditions to carry out the tests on the dates initially scheduled.
According to the FIA, Several alternatives were analyzed, including the possibility of finding replacement locations or new dates on the calendar. However, it was eventually decided that the races would not be held during the month of April.. So far, no new dates have been announced for the two Grands Prix.
With this decision, the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship calendar will have a interval of more than one month between races. After the Japanese Grand Prix, scheduled for March 29, the championship will only return at the beginning of May with the Miami Grand Prix, in the United States.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stressed that the governing body always puts the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the sport first. The official also expressed hope that stability will quickly return to the region, allowing competition to return to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in the future.
The decision also affects the support categories, as the Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds scheduled for the same weekends were also cancelled.
Meanwhile, the Formula 1 season normally continues with the Chinese Grand Prix, followed by the race in Japan before the calendar pauses until May.
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