Summary

Formula One Group announced the cancellation of grands prix in both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia amid Middle East turmoil stemming from the Iran War. "The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April," the company announced on X. "Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East the Grands Prix, alongside F2, F3, and F1 Academy rounds, will not take place as scheduled. While alternatives were considered, no substitutions will be made in April." Why It Matters The U.S. State Department has recently issued travel advisories to American citizens for much of the Middle East, including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. It warned that in Bahrain, "terrorists may attack with little or no warning. Targets may include tourist sites, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and religious sites as well as government and military facilities." In Saudi Arabia, the State Department warned of missile and drone attacks tied to the Iran conflict, noting that armed groups in Yemen have also targeted border regions. A U.S. bombing of Iran's Kharg Island — critical to oil exports — on Friday added even more uncertainty to the situation. President Donald Trump said the strikes targeted only military assets on the island but warned oil infrastructure could be next unless Iran stopped interfering with the ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with a threat of its own. What To Know The escalating Iran war had already injected significant uncertainty into Formula One’s Middle East calendar, with the two races scheduled for mid-April in countries that have been directly targeted or threatened by Iranian missile and drone attacks and that host U.S. military assets. Two other races in the region, the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, are scheduled for later this year. In a statement posted on the official F1 website, the racing organization said that it made its decision in "full consultation with the FIA and respective promoters." Calling off the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races means there will be a five-week gap from the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and the next race, the Miami Grand Prix on May 3. Without any rescheduling, the 22-race schedule would be the shortest since 2023. Iran has made Bahrain one of its most heavily targeted Gulf states, launching repeated missile and drone attacks beginning on February 28, shortly after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. The island kingdom’s strategic role as host to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet has placed it directly in Tehran’s line of fire. Iranian strikes have hit or threatened military installations, energy facilities and civilian areas in and around the capital, Manama. Authorities say air defenses have intercepted the majority of incoming weapons, but several attacks have caused fires, structural damage and civilian casualties. Iran has also targeted Saudi Arabia with missile and drone attacks, framing the strikes as retaliation for U.S. and Israeli military action and for the kingdom’s ties to Washington. Saudi officials say most incoming weapons have been intercepted by air defenses, but several attacks have caused damage to energy facilities and civilian areas. “In the event of an attack on the oil, economic and energy infrastructure of the Islamic Republic of Iran … all oil, economic and energy infrastructure belonging to oil companies throughout the region that own American stocks or cooperate with the United States will be immediately destroyed,” a spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said, according to a report by Iran's Fars news agency. “They will be destroyed and turned into a pile of ashes.” What People Are Saying Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, in a statement posted on the official F1 website: “While this was a difficult decision to take, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East." "I want to take this opportunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their support and total understanding as they were looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion," Domenicali added. "We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so.” Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, in a statement posted on the official F1 website: “The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first. After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind. We continue to hope for calm, safety and a swift return to stability in the region, and my thoughts remain with all those affected by these recent events." “Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are incredibly important to the ecosystem of our racing season, and I look forward to returning to both as soon as circumstances allow," Ben Sulayem added. "My sincere thanks to the promoters, our partners, and our colleagues across the championship for the collaborative and constructive approach that has led to this decision.” Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Bahrain International Circuit: “We fully support the decision by Formula 1, and we are grateful to them and to the FIA for their support and enduring partnership. We look forward to welcoming fans from all around the world back to Bahrain when F1 returns. On behalf of all of us at BIC, I take this opportunity to offer our sincere thanks to all those in the F1 community who have taken the time to send us messages of support.” HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation: “The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation respect the decision taken by Formula 1 regarding the 2026 race calendar. Fans across the Kingdom were once again looking forward to the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah this April, but we understand the considerations behind this decision and remain in close partnership with Formula 1." This article includes reporting by the Associated Press. Update 3/14/26, 7:33 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information. In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not "both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you. When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.