Formula One is poised to cancel the upcoming Grand Prix events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to the ongoing conflict in the region. The races were originally scheduled for April as part of the 2026 season, with the Bahrain GP set for April 10-12 and the Saudi Arabian race in Jeddah the following weekend.
The decision to cancel both races comes as both nations have been affected by the conflict involving Iran, the USA, and Israel. This move will reduce the current 24-race season to 22 races. Both Formula One (F1) and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) have not released official statements on the matter yet.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem recently mentioned on social media that they are closely monitoring the situation and prioritizing safety and well-being in their decision-making process for upcoming events. He expressed solidarity with those impacted by the conflict and emphasized the importance of unity within the organization.
With the cancellation of these races, there will be no Formula One action in April, leading to a five-week gap between the Japanese GP and the Miami GP in early May. Currently, F1 is in Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix, where British driver George Russell is set to start on pole for the Saturday Sprint. Mercedes’ George Russell leads the early driver standings with 25 points, followed by teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli in second place.
Sky has recently enhanced its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to include additional streaming services such as HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+, and Hayu, along with 135 channels and comprehensive Formula 1 coverage. Sky offers exclusive broadcasting of practice sessions, qualifiers, and races throughout the season, as well as coverage of other sports like the Premier League, EFL, darts, and golf.