Lewis Hamilton will drive two fewer races than expected in his Ferrari. © ANSA / ALEX PLAVEVSKI

Formula 1: No races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia

Following the military escalation in the Middle East, Formula 1 has cancelled the Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, according to information from the pay-TV broadcaster Sky.

March 13, 2026

From: apa/dpa

According to reports, Formula 1 has cancelled the races scheduled for April 12th and 19th without replacement dates. While official confirmation is pending, Sky, as the rights holder, is particularly well-informed. The race calendar would then consist of only 22 races instead of 24. Racing would not resume until May 3rd in Miami.

On the morning of February 28, Israel and the United States attacked Iran. Subsequently, the Iranian leadership attacked Israel and several US military bases in the region. The Arab Gulf states together host thousands of US troops. Formula 1 had held two tests in Bahrain earlier this season. However, at the end of February, Pirelli canceled the two-day tire tests for security reasons due to the escalating international situation.

Two more races planned in the Middle East

The opening race in Melbourne was held on Sunday, although many involved had to find alternative travel routes due to initial airspace closures in the Middle East. This Sunday (8:00 AM), the Chinese Grand Prix is ​​scheduled to take place in Shanghai, followed two weeks later by the race in Suzuka, Japan. Formula 1 plans to return to the Middle East this year. Qatar on November 29th and Abu Dhabi on December 6th are slated to conclude the season.