Formula One has officially announced that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix scheduled for April will not be taking place due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the Iran War, which has led to increased tensions and instability in the region. The situation escalated following Iranian forces retaliating against neighboring Gulf countries amidst military operations from the United States and Israel. As a result, Formula One will leave its race calendar two meetings short without substitutes for these events.

The impact of the ongoing war has not only affected F1 but also other racing divisions, as Formula Two, Three, and F1 Academy rounds that were set to occur during the same timeframe will also be canceled. With the current geopolitical climate posing risks to participants and spectators, F1’s governing body made this difficult decision to prioritize safety over scheduling. CEO and F1 president Stefano Domenicali emphasized the challenges of this decision, describing it as a necessary measure given the present situation.

The 2026 Formula One season continues with George Russell emerging as the winner of the opening race in Melbourne, Australia. However, the absence of races in the Middle East highlights broader implications for international sporting events that often rely on venues in politically sensitive areas. As the series progresses, F1 will need to assess how ongoing global conflicts may influence future races and the overall impact on the sport's operations and fan engagements.