The race in Bahrain is cancelled. © APA/afp / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC

As expected: Formula 1 race in the Middle East cancelled

Following the military escalation in the Middle East, Formula 1 has cancelled the two Grand Prix races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. As the FIA, motorsport's governing body, announced, the races scheduled for April 12th and 19th have been removed from the calendar without replacement.

March 15, 2026

From: dpa

On Friday, the TV station had already Sky It has been reported that the two races have been cancelled. The fourth and fifth Grand Prix of the season were scheduled to take place in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The race calendar is thus reduced to just 22 events instead of 24. April is now Formula 1-free, with racing resuming on 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.

Charles Leclerc and his teammates are not racing in the Middle East. © APA/afp / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC

In Bahrain, where Formula 1 has raced in Sakhir since 2004, two tests were held this season. However, at the end of February, Pirelli cancelled the two-day tire tests. The planned event at the Bahrain International Circuit had to be called off "due to the worsening international situation and for safety reasons."

The opening race in Melbourne went ahead as planned last Sunday, even though hundreds of Formula 1 staff had to change their plans and take alternative travel routes due to the initial airspace closures in the Middle East. This Sunday (8:00 AM) the Chinese Grand Prix is ​​scheduled in Shanghai, followed two weeks later by a race at the historic Suzuka circuit in Japan, before an unexpectedly long break.

Further races planned in Qatar and Abu Dhabi

Formula 1 plans to return to the Middle East this year. Qatar on November 29th and, traditionally, Abu Dhabi on December 6th will conclude the season.