Formula One is reportedly preparing to cancel the upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East. Multiple reports indicate the sport is expected to make the decision soon due to safety concerns and logistical challenges.

The championship was scheduled to race at the Bahrain International Circuit on April 12 before traveling to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on April 19. However, ongoing military exchanges involving Iran, the United States, and Israel have created uncertainty about whether the events can safely take place.

According to reports, both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been impacted during Iran’s response following attacks carried out by the United States and Israel. While it is unclear how long the conflict may continue, Formula One leadership must make a decision soon because of the complicated process required to ship cars and equipment around the world.

Teams typically begin sending freight to race locations weeks in advance. With the Bahrain event approaching quickly, Formula One cannot wait much longer before determining whether the races can proceed.

At this point, it appears unlikely that the two races would be replaced if they are removed from the calendar. The schedule later in the year is already tightly packed, leaving little room to add additional events.

If the races are officially canceled, the 2026 season would drop from 24 races to 22. It would also create a five week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome on May 3.

Drivers are trusting Formula One leadership to make the right call if the situation continues to escalate. Speaking ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix weekend in Shanghai, seven time world champion Lewis Hamilton expressed confidence in Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali.

“I know that Stefano will do what is right for all of us and the sport,” Hamilton said.

While the decision has not yet been officially announced, all signs point to Formula One preparing to remove the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races from the 2026 calendar as the sport prioritizes safety and stability.

Formula One will not race in Bahrain or Saudi Arabia this April following escalating tensions in the Middle East. Sources confirmed the decision after recent military exchanges involving Iran, the United States, and Israel raised safety and logistical concerns for the sport.

The championship was scheduled to visit the Bahrain International Circuit on April 12 before heading to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on April 19. However, recent strikes in the region during Iran’s response to attacks by the United States and Israel created uncertainty around the events.

Formula One officials were forced to make a decision early due to the complex logistics required to transport equipment and cars across the globe. Teams typically begin shipping freight weeks in advance of each race, especially when traveling to the Middle East.

Because of the tight schedule later in the year, replacing the two races appears unlikely. The back half of the calendar is already packed, and adding additional rounds later could risk affecting the championship if another event had to be canceled unexpectedly.

As a result, the 2026 Formula One season will likely be reduced from 24 races to 22. The change also creates a five week break in the schedule between the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome on May 3.

Drivers are trusting Formula One leadership to guide the sport through the situation. Speaking ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix weekend in Shanghai, seven time world champion Lewis Hamilton said he believes the right decision will be made.

“I know that Stefano will do what is right for all of us and the sport,” Hamilton said, referring to Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali.

With safety and stability being the top priority, the sport now shifts its focus to the upcoming races already on the calendar while monitoring the situation in the region.