Formula 1’s Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in April are set to be called off this weekend due to the conflict in the Middle East, reducing the 2026 season to 22 races.
The sport had been due to be in Bahrain for the new season’s fourth round on April 10-12 before racing in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah a week later on April 17-19.
But both countries are among the Gulf states to have been struck by Iran in retaliation to US-Israeli air strikes amid the conflict in the region.
Sky Sports News understands the Middle East races will be cancelled this weekend and will likely not be replaced on F1’s busy March-December schedule, meaning the season will now run to 22 Grands Prix weekends.
Safety is the paramount concern of Formula 1 and the FIA and the situation in the Middle East has not improved in recent days.
F1 and the FIA have declined to comment on the matter.
With no races taking place during April, there will be a five-week gap in the schedule between the Japanese Grand Prix, the season’s third round, on March 27-29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 1-3.
F1 is currently in Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix where George Russell is on pole for Saturday’s Sprint at 3am before full Qualifying at 7am and Sunday’s race, also at 7am.
More to follow…
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