Formula 1 cancels April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to war in Middle East

Formula 1 and its governing body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), have announced that the Grand Prix races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, which were scheduled for April, will not take place due to security concerns related to the war in the Middle East. It was reported by the Associated Press.

AP notes that both countries, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, suffered during Tehran's retaliatory actions after a series of attacks on Iran organized by the United States and Israel.

"Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April. While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April," the Formula 1 statement said.

It is noted that the Formula 1 races were to take place in Bahrain on April 12 and in the Saudi city of Jeddah on April 19.

"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," said Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula One.

The FIA said the two races "will not take place in April" and that no replacements will be organized.

"The FIA will always place the safety and well being of our community and colleagues first. After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind," said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Race promoters in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia said they supported the decision.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, Ukrainian racer Oleksandr Bondarev won the title of Formula-4 champion of the UAE4 Series 2026. He drove for Williams Racing Academy.