F1 Cancels 2026 Bahrain, Saudi Grands Prix Over Security

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has announced the cancellation of the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to heightened security concerns in the region. This decision follows a serious security assessment that concluded the races could not be safely conducted amid ongoing conflicts.

The Bahrain Grand Prix was scheduled to take place at the Bahrain International Circuit from April 10-12, followed by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit the following week. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated that the cancellation would reduce the 2026 championship schedule from 24 to 22 races, creating a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix at the end of March and the Miami Grand Prix in early May.

The FIA is exploring potential replacement venues, including Portugal's Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Italy's Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, and Turkey's Istanbul Park, but logistical challenges make this difficult. The cancellations are expected to cost the sport approximately $100 million.