ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Formula One's Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April in light of regional developments, the sport announced on Saturday.
While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April, the sport said in a statement. The FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds will also not take place during their scheduled times.
The decision has been taken in full consultation with Formula One Group, local promoters and our Member Clubs in the region, the statement added.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, 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. 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.”
Stefano Domenicali, Formula One Group President and CEO, 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.”
Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Bahrain International Circuit, said: “We fully support the decision by Formula 1, 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.”
Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and Chairman of the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), said: "The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation respect the decision taken by Formula 1 regarding the 2026 race calendar. Fans across the Kingdom were once again 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 1."
Bahrain's desert Sakhir circuit had been due to host the fourth round of the season on April 12 with Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Corniche track following the weekend after.
Both races are floodlit and at night.
Formula One is currently racing in Shanghai, China, with Japan next on the calendar on March 29. Miami will now be the next round after that on May 3.
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, or International Automobile Federation (FIA), is the governing body for world motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motorsport professionals and volunteers.
FIA develops and enforces regulations for motorsport, including six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.