US-Iran-Israel War: Formula 1 Cancels Bahrain & Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Amid Rising Security Fears

Formula One has confirmed that the 2026 races in Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will not take place in April after escalating conflict in the Middle East raised serious safety and logistical concerns for the sport. The decision was announced ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, with officials concluding that the risks linked to the ongoing Iran war made it impossible to stage the events safely.

Both races were originally scheduled as early-season rounds of the Formula One World Championship, with Bahrain set to host on April 12 and Saudi Arabia on April 19. However, the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has led to missile strikes and heightened tensions across the region, creating uncertainty around travel, security, and the movement of equipment required for the championship.

The cancellations leave a five-week gap in the calendar between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3. As a result, the 2026 championship schedule is expected to drop from 24 races to 22 unless replacement rounds are added later in the year, though organizers say rescheduling remains unlikely due to the already packed calendar.

Other support categories scheduled alongside the F1 races, including Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 Academy, will also skip their Middle Eastern rounds.

Despite the cancellations, Formula 1 officials thanked promoters in both countries and expressed hope that the championship will return once stability returns to the region. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia remain key destinations on the F1 calendar, and the sport says it looks forward to racing there again when conditions allow.

US-Iran-Israel War: MotoGP Reschedules Qatar Grand Prix Amid Middle East Tensions

The Qatar race was supposed to host the fourth round of the 2026 MotoGP season from April 10–12, but concerns about travel, security, and the broader stability of the region forced the championship to revise its plans. Officials emphasised that moving the race to later in the year allows the sport to maintain the event while ensuring the safety of riders, teams, and staff.

With the Qatar Grand Prix shifting to November, other events near the end of the season have also been adjusted. The Portuguese Grand Prix will now take place on November 22, while the traditional season finale in Valencia has been moved to November 29 to accommodate the change in the calendar.

The decision reflects how the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is beginning to impact global sport. Several major motorsport events in the region have already faced disruption, highlighting the challenges organisers face when geopolitical tensions affect travel, logistics and safety. By postponing rather than cancelling the Qatar race, MotoGP hopes to preserve one of the championship’s most prominent Middle Eastern rounds while allowing time for the situation to stabilise.

MotoGP organisers said they will continue to monitor developments in the region closely, but remain committed to running the race later in the season if conditions permit, ensuring fans still get to witness the high-profile event under safer circumstances.