BAHRAIN – Formula 1 confirmed on Sunday that it had cancelled April’s Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix over security due to ongoing Iran war and rising Middle East tensions.

A statement said several alternatives were considered, but it was ultimately decided that no replacement races would be held in April.

“The Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 ACADEMY rounds will also not take place during their scheduled times. The decision has been taken in full consultation with the FIA (Federal Internationale de l‘Automobile) and respective promoters,” it said.

Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula One Group, said the decision was difficult but the right step given the situation in the Middle East.

“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,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Chief Executive of the Bahrain International Circuit Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa expressed support for Formula 1’s decision, thanking the FIA and the F1 community. He said Bahrain looks forward to welcoming fans back when F1 returns.

Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and Chairman of the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC) HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, said the Kingdom respects F1’s 2026 calendar decision, emphasizing continued partnership with Formula 1.

Since Israel and the US launched joint attacks against Iran on Feb. 28, killing some 1,200 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, hostilities have escalated.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.