The 2026 Formula 1 (F1) season is already underway, with the opening races completed in Australia and China.
As the championship calendar moves forward, attention has now shifted to the Middle East, where rising geopolitical tensions have cast uncertainty around two of Formula 1’s upcoming events, the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.
While races across Europe, Asia, and the Americas continue as planned, the safety of teams, drivers, and spectators in the Gulf region has become a growing concern.
Recent retaliatory strikes and escalating regional conflicts have prompted event organizers and motorsport officials to reassess whether the Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia can still be held safely.
The two races form part of the early-season Middle East leg, running from April 10-12 in Bahrain and April 17-19 in Saudi Arabia, according to the F1 event calendar.
Following weeks of uncertainty, F1 has now made a decision regarding the events that many fans had been dreading.
F1 confirms the cancellation of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix
F1 has officially canceled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix for the 2026 season.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed the decision during a press conference on May 14.
“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,” said Domenicali in the press conference.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the International Automobile Federation (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. We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the safety of the F1 community is a top priority.
“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.”
TheStreet reviewed the official announcement and press conference materials on F1’s website.
Sona Maleterova/Getty Images
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix organizers respond
Organizers in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia said they understood the decision and reiterated their commitment to their partnerships with F1.
“We look forward to welcoming fans from all around the world back to Bahrain when F1 returns,” said Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, CEO of the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC). “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.”
“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,” added HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC).
Will the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix be rescheduled?
F1 confirmed that the canceled Bahrain and Saudi Arabia events will not be rescheduled.
“Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will not take place in April,” reads an official statement on the F1 website. “While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April.”
The cancellation also affects F2, F3, and F1 Academy rounds planned for the same race weekends.
Will fans receive ticket refunds?
Organizers in both countries have provided updates on refund policies for ticket holders.
Bahrain Grand Prix 2026
Fans who purchased tickets through the official BIC website will be offered either a full refund or a credit redeemable for a future F1 Bahrain Grand Prix.
Instructions will be sent directly to the ticket holder via email, and fans can contact BIC for additional assistance.
Saudi Arabia Grand Prix 2026
For tickets purchased through the official Saudi Arabian GP website, refunds will be issued automatically to the original payment method.
The process should take between 10 and 21 working days, and no request submission is required.
F1’s global impact and Middle East presence
F1’s global fan base reached 827 million in 2025, representing 12% year-over-year growth, according to the Formula 1 2025 Season in Numbers report.
Although race attendance in the Middle East is lower than in other regions, it remains a strategically important market.
Top three 2025 Grand Prix attendance figures
- British Grand Prix: 500,000, according to F1 2025 season numbers
- Australian Grand Prix: 465,500 attendees, per F1 2025 season numbers
- Mexico City Grand Prix: 401,300, according to F1 2025 season numbers
Middle East 2025 Grand Prix attendance
- Abu Dhabi: 203,000, according to GP Destinations
- Qatar: 163,000, as GP Destinations reported
- Bahrain: 105,000, according to GP Destinations
- Saudi Arabia: No official numbers disclosed since 2023, when the figure stood at 150,000, per GP Destinations
The lucrative business of F1
F1’s total sponsorship revenue is expected to increase 15% in 2026, exceeding $3 billion, the latest Ampere Analysis study revealed.
The growth reflects F1’s transformation from a traditional motorsport into a global media, entertainment, and marketing platform.
More F1 Business News:
- Why F1’s sponsorship boom is nearing $3 billion
- Why Cadillac decided to work with a fashion icon
- Luxury brand shares surprising F1 partnership
- Costco quietly adds something F1 fans didn’t expect
Owned by Liberty Media Corporation (LLYVK), F1 generated revenue of $3.9 billion by year-end 2025, up 14% year over year, driven by strong partnerships and digital advertising growth.
“F1 once again delivered an exceptional year, with the sport firing on all cylinders across growth, engagement, and commercial momentum. We renewed with multiple long-term existing partners and signed several new marketing partners,” said Liberty Media CEO Derek Chang in an earnings call.
Sportswear and fashion sponsorship spending has surged by 75% over the past two years, with at least seven major new deals beginning in 2026 alone.
Ticket prices also reflect the sport’s premium positioning. General admission can range from $150 to more than $2,000, while ultra-VIP experiences can exceed $20,000, depending on the race location, according to SeatGeek.
Related: Apple closes all stores in fast-growing market
#delivers #devastating #news #Middle #East #Grands #Prix