Formula One’s Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix races are set to be cancelled this weekend, according to multiple sources, due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. An announcement is expected by Monday, March 16, with a logistical deadline of March 20 for freight transport to Bahrain.
The cancellations come as United States and Israeli attacks on Iran continue, following Iranian drone and missile strikes on Middle Eastern capitals, including Bahrain’s Manama, where Formula One teams are currently based. Sky Sports television reported understanding that the races would be called off by Sunday night.
The decision impacts the early 2026 Formula One calendar, leaving April without a race and reducing the championship to 22 rounds. Bahrain was scheduled for April 12 and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah for April 19. The Japanese Grand Prix is scheduled for March 29, followed by the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
The World Endurance Championship (WEC) has already postponed its season-opener in Qatar, originally scheduled for March 26-28, with the race now rescheduled for Italy’s Imola circuit on April 19. The Qatar round has been moved to October 24, as the penultimate round before the finale in Bahrain on November 7.
MotoGP, too scheduled to race in Qatar on April 12, is also likely to be cancelled.
The cancellations occur as Liberty Media, the owner of Formula One, continues to navigate a complex relationship with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the sport’s governing body. Since Liberty Media’s acquisition of Formula One in 2017, there has been a noticeable shift in the sport’s direction, with an emphasis on commercial expansion and attracting new audiences, particularly in the United States. This approach has led to tensions with the FIA, which has expressed concerns about the potential dilution of racing integrity.
There was no immediate comment from Liberty Media-owned Formula One or the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA).
Meanwhile, George Russell of Mercedes earned the first career sprint pole at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on Saturday, qualifying with a lap time of 1:31.520. He edged out teammate Kimi Antonelli, who finished second in sprint qualifying with a time of 1:31.809. Lando Norris of McLaren qualified in third, followed by Ferrari teammates Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
Russell, currently leading the F1 driver standings with 25 points, has six career F1 wins. The sprint race will precede qualifying for the Grand Prix, with points awarded to the top eight finishers.
