MOTORSPORT – THIS season’s Formula One grands prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will not be going ahead as scheduled in April, F1 and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) confirmed early this morning.
In a statement, F1 and the FIA said that after careful evaluations, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races will not take place next month.
Bahrain’s F1 weekend was set to be held from April 10 to 12 at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir, while the Saudi event was slated for April 17 to 19 in Jeddah.
F1 and the FIA added that while several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April.
The decision has been taken in full consultation with the FIA and respective promoters, the statement noted. No further details were available.
“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 F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali. “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.”
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “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. My sincere thanks to the promoters, our partners, and our colleagues across the championship for the collaborative and constructive approach that has led to this decision.”
BIC chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said: “We fully support the decision by Formula One, and we are grateful to them and to the FIA for their support and enduring partnership. We look forward to welcoming fans from all around the world back to Bahrain when F1 returns.
“On behalf of all of us at BIC, I take this opportunity to offer our sincere thanks to all those in the F1 community who have taken the time to send us messages of support.”
Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) chairman and Saudi Motorsport Company chairman Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal commented: “The SAMF respect the decision taken by Formula One regarding the 2026 race calendar.
“Fans across the kingdom were once again looking forward to the F1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah this April, but we understand the considerations behind this decision and remain in close partnership with F1.”
Meanwhile, the Formula Two, Formula Three, and F1 Academy rounds that were set to support the grands prix will also not take place during their scheduled times.
Meanwhile, BIC announced that Bahrain Grand Prix ticketholders who purchased directly from the circuit can either get a full refund that will be processed as soon as possible or get a credit note which can be redeemed for a future Bahrain Grand Prix.
BIC noted that an email will be sent to buyers with instructions on how to proceed for either option.
The circuit added that for any queries, they can be contacted on +973-17450000.
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