F1 Set to Cancel Bahrain GP and Saudi Arabian GP Over War in Middle East
Formula 1 is going to soon announce the official cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GP amid the ongoing Iran-US/Israel War.
Follow Us
Bahrain GP (image via F1)
- Bahrain GP and Saudi Arabian GP cancelled due to ongoing Iran-US/Israel war.
- Official confirmation from Formula 1 expected within 48 hours.
- Cancellation may result in losses of approximately $71 million for F1.
The upcoming Saudi Arabian GP and Bahrain GP have reportedly been cancelled amid the ongoing Iran-US/Israel war. Following the USA and Israel’s collaborative bombing of Iran, the country retaliated and bombed the American-Israeli bases in the Middle East region. The Iranian government has already attacked American facilities present in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and many other neighboring countries.
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs were scheduled to take place on 12th and 19th April, respectively. However, keeping in mind the current condition in these regions, it is in the best interest of the teams and drivers not to participate in racing in a war-torn country. Though Formula 1 is yet to officially comment on the matter, some trusted sources at Sky Sports have confirmed the news.
Official confirmation from F1 and FOM to arrive within the next 48 hours. It isn’t completely surprising to witness the races being cancelled, especially because of the war not seeming to end anytime soon. Not only this, but these two races will likely not be replaced by any other circuits, likely because of the intense delays in the decision. This means that the 2026 season of new regulations will only feature 22 races as compared to 24 in the calendar.
Following the culmination of the Japanese GP, there will be a five-week gap until the next Miami GP, scheduled on 3rd May. The Grand Circus is currently in China, preparing for the sprint weekend of the Chinese GP. Though a break might be good for the drivers, this might chip away at crucial development for a majority of the teams.
Anyway, cancelling the Middle Eastern Grand Prixs proves F1 and FOM’s dedication towards making the sport safer above other benefits. Certainly, the two races provide great racing action and thrill for the fans and drivers alike. However, Formula E had already gone through such a situation, where missiles were seen being intercepted near the Riyadh paddock during a live race back in 2021.
Formula 1 to incur massive losses by cancelling the Middle Eastern GPs
Formula 1 is a sport for the rich, and it costs a handsome amount of money to host these races. However, in the wake of such global crisis events, it is important to cancel the races and not think about monetary losses. Still, the sport will have to bear the costs, with reports claiming that the figure could be as high as $71,484,930 (£54 million) of pure losses. Additionally, the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain GP are among the two of the most spectacular races on the F1 calendar.
Ahead of the beginning of the 2026 season, talks were already in progress to cancel the Middle Eastern Grand Prixs. However, the sport hoped for a solution to come by the time they reached the dates nearing the races. But, despite consistent efforts by other nations, the war isn’t seemingly ending anytime soon. If problems continue, it could hinder the season finale in Abu Dhabi, though the race is scheduled in December, as everyone hopes to have the war end by then.
Mercedes has achieved a great start to the 2026 season and is looking forward to challenging the rivals at the Chinese GP. Although the Chinese circuit isn’t very far away from the war-torn countries of the Middle East, it is still completely safe to race in China. If the situation doesn’t ease up, it can also affect the transportation of goods and other materials of Formula 1 to other racing venues.
Read More: George Russell Declares Mercedes “Underachieved” At Australia Despite Dominant Win
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)