Manama, Mar. 15 (BNA): It was confirmed today that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not be held in April due to the continued crisis in the Middle East, following thorough evaluations.
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix will not take place in April
Although a number of options were taken into consideration, it was eventually determined that no changes would be made in April. Additionally, the scheduled times for the Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 Academy rounds will not be met.
The FIA and the relevant promoters were fully consulted before the decision was made.
“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,” stated Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1. I would want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the FIA and our amazing promoters for their unwavering support and understanding as they eagerly anticipated hosting us with their customary enthusiasm and vigor. We are eager to reunite with them as soon as the situation permits.
“The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first,” stated FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. We have made this choice after giving it considerable thought, keeping that obligation in mind. My thoughts are still with everyone impacted by these recent events, and we continue to hope for peace, safety, and a quick restoration to stability in the area.
“Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are vital to the ecosystem of our racing season, and I hope to visit them again as soon as conditions permit. My heartfelt gratitude to the promoters, our partners, and our colleagues across the tournament for their cooperative and productive approach that resulted in this choice.
“We fully support the decision by Formula 1, and we are grateful to them and to the FIA for their support and enduring partnership,” stated Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Bahrain International Circuit. When Formula One returns to Bahrain, we can’t wait to welcome fans from all over the world. I would want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the F1 community who has taken the time to give us messages of support on behalf of all of us at BIC.
The chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the chairman of the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, stated: “The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation respects the decision taken by Formula 1 regarding the 2026 race calendar.” The Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah this April was once again anticipated by fans around the Kingdom, but we recognize the reasons behind this choice and continue to work closely with Formula 1.”
