FIA cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix amid Middle East war

Motorsport’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), has cancelled the Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix following the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

The decision comes as the region grapples with a wave of drone and missile attacks over the past two weeks, raising serious security concerns for teams, officials and fans involved in the Formula One championship.

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In a statement, the FIA confirmed that both races scheduled for April will no longer take place due to the deteriorating security situation.

“After careful evaluations, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April,” the FIA said.

The Bahrain race had been scheduled for April 10 to 12 as the fourth round of the season, with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix set for the following week. Officials said several alternatives were explored, but ultimately decided against staging replacement races during the April window.

The decision was taken in consultation with Formula One Group, local promoters and regional motorsport authorities.

The Gulf region has been rocked by Iranian drone and missile strikes following the outbreak of conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the safety of teams, staff and spectators was the organisation’s top priority.

“The FIA will always place the safety and well-being of our community and colleagues first,” he said. “After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind.”

He added that Bahrain and Saudi Arabia remain important venues on the F1 calendar and expressed hope that racing can return once stability is restored in the region.