The F1 Grand Prix to be held in April in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia has been canceled this weekend due to the Middle East conflict, and the 2026 season will be reduced to 22 races.
The sport’s fourth race of the new season was scheduled to take place in Bahrain on April 10-12, followed by a week later in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah on April 17-19.
But both countries are among the Gulf states that have been attacked by Iran in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli airstrikes during the region’s conflict.
Safety is a top concern for F1 and the FIA, but the situation in the Middle East has not improved in recent days.
Sky Sports News understands that the April race in the Middle East will be canceled by this Sunday and will not be replaced by F1’s busy March-to-December schedule, meaning the season will run for 22 grand prix weekends.
Saudi Grand Prix will not be held in April due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East
Portugal’s Portimart and Italy’s Imola circuit are being discussed as alternative options, but there will not be enough time to host the event in April.
F1 and the FIA declined to comment on the matter.
With no races held in April, there will be a five-week gap in the schedule between the third round of the season, the Japanese Grand Prix, from March 27-29, and the Miami Grand Prix, May 1-3.
F1 is currently in Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix, with George Russell taking pole position for Saturday’s 3am sprint, followed by full qualifying at 7am, followed by Sunday’s race, also at 7am.
Sky Sports F1 China GP Schedule
Saturday, March 14th
2:25am: Chinese GP sprint build-up*
3am: Chinese GP Sprint*
4.30am: Ted’s Sprint Notes*
5:30am: F1 Academy Race 1*
6:30am: Chinese GP qualifying build-up*
7am: Chinese GP Qualifying*
9am: Ted’s Qualification Notebook*
Sunday March 15th
2:35am: F1 Academy Race 2*
5:30am: Preparation for Chinese Grand Prix: Grand Prix Sunday*
7am: Chinese Grand Prix*
9am: Chinese GP reaction: Checkered flag*
10am: Ted’s Notes*
*Also held at Sky Sports Main Event
F1 will host the first sprint weekend of the 2026 season in Shanghai with the Chinese Grand Prix, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
