THE Formula One races scheduled in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been cancelled following a careful assessment of the escalating conflict in West Asia involving Iran, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) confirmed.
In a statement, the FIA said the decision came after a thorough evaluation of the security situation in the region.
“It has been confirmed today that after a comprehensive assessment of the current situation in West Asia, the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will not take place in April,” AFP cited the statement saying.
The Bahrain Grand Prix was originally slated for 10 to 12 April as the fourth race of the season, with the Saudi Arabian event scheduled for the following week.
Reports indicate that the Gulf region has faced a series of drone and missile attacks from Iran over the past two weeks, following heightened tensions involving the United States and Israel. Bahrain, located close to Iran, has reportedly experienced attacks targeting buildings, oil refineries, and U.S. military bases within its territory. Saudi Arabia has similarly faced threats to critical oil infrastructure.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasised that the safety of all involved remains the organisation’s top priority.
“FIA always places the safety and well-being of our community and colleagues as a priority. After careful consideration, this decision was made in line with that responsibility,” he said.
The F1 calendar will now continue with the Japanese Grand Prix from 27 to 29 March, followed by the Miami Grand Prix from 1 to 3 May. Teams, officials, and fans are expected to adjust travel plans accordingly as the sport navigates heightened geopolitical risks in the region.
The cancellation underscores the growing impact of international security concerns on global sporting events, highlighting the vulnerability of international competitions to regional conflicts. - March 15, 2026
