IBNS-CMEDIA: Formula One has confirmed that the showpiece races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will not be held in April due to the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East.
“While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April,” Formula One said in a statement.
“The Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds will also not take place during their scheduled times,” the statement added.
Formula One said the decision was taken in full consultation with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the respective race promoters.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula One, said: “While this was a difficult decision to take, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East. I want to take this opportunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their support and total understanding as they were looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion. We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so.”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said: “The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first. After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind. We continue to hope for calm, safety and a swift return to stability in the region, and my thoughts remain with all those affected by these recent events.
“Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are incredibly important to the ecosystem of our racing season, and I look forward to returning to both as soon as circumstances allow.”
Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Bahrain International Circuit, said: “We fully support the decision by Formula One and are grateful to them and the FIA for their continued partnership. We look forward to welcoming fans from around the world back to Bahrain when F1 returns.”
Meanwhile, Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and the Saudi Motorsport Company, said the Kingdom respected the decision taken regarding the 2026 race calendar.
“Fans across Saudi Arabia were looking forward to the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah this April, but we understand the considerations behind this decision and remain in close partnership with Formula One,” he said.
Both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were recently affected by regional tensions after Iran launched attacks following strikes by the United States and Israel on Tehran on February 28, escalating instability in the region.
The cancellation creates a five-week gap in the Formula One calendar between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
MotoGP Qatar race postponed
Meanwhile, MotoGP has confirmed that the Qatar Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April, has been postponed to November 8 due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“This decision has been taken in close coordination with the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, the promoter and local authorities in Qatar, with the primary objective of ensuring the safety, wellbeing and highest-quality delivery of the event,” MotoGP said in a statement.
Following adjustments to the calendar, the Portuguese Grand Prix in Portimão will now take place on November 22, while the season finale in Valencia will move to November 29.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP, said: “This decision was taken with great care and in full coordination with our partners in Qatar and across the paddock. Our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in MotoGP, while ensuring every Grand Prix is delivered to the highest possible standard.”
Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation and the Lusail International Circuit, said the federation supports the decision to postpone the race to November.
“We sincerely thank our fans, teams and partners for their understanding and continued support, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to Lusail when MotoGP returns,” he said.Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit (LIC), said: “The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Lusail International Circuit (LIC) respect and support the decision of the MotoGP Sport and Entertainment Group to postpone the MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar to November 6–8, 2026. We sincerely thank our fans, teams and partners for their understanding and ongoing support, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to Lusail International Circuit.”
