Formula 1’s April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are expected to be cancelled as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East affects the region, potentially reducing the 2026 calendar to 22 Grands Prix weekends.
The sport had planned to stage the fourth round of the season in Bahrain from April 10 to April 12 before heading to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia for the following race on April 17 to April 19.
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Both countries are among Gulf states that have been struck by Iran following US-Israeli air strikes as tensions continue across the region.
According to Sky, safety remains the primary concern for Formula 1 and the FIA as the situation in the Middle East has not improved in recent days.
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Sky Sports News understands that the two Middle Eastern rounds scheduled for April are set to be officially cancelled by the end of this weekend.
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If confirmed, the races are not expected to be replaced elsewhere on the calendar due to the already busy March to December schedule. That would reduce the 2026 Formula 1 season to 22 Grands Prix weekends.
Portugal’s Portimao circuit and Italy’s Imola circuit have both been mentioned as possible replacement venues. However, there is not believed to be enough time available to organise replacement races in April.
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Formula 1 and the FIA have declined to comment on the situation. Should the cancellations be confirmed, there would be no races held during April.
That would leave a five week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix, scheduled for March 27 to March 29, and the Miami Grand Prix taking place from May 1 to May 3.
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