Formula 1 appears to be the next sporting event slated to be impacted by the U.S. and Israel’s ongoing war with Iran.
The war, which started when the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28 that killed scores, has affected millions.
Iran retaliated to the attacks, hitting U.S. military facilities in the Gulf, including in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The blowback has been swift, with Formula 1 reportedly taking note. Multiple reports have emerged claiming that the open-wheel racing series will cancel its upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, set to take place in April.
With that, here’s the latest on the status of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prixs.
F1 set to cancel Bahrain, Saudi Arabia races
Formula 1 was expected to roll into the Gulf in mid-April for events in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Those plans appear to have been disrupted after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28.
Iran responded to the blows, launching operations at U.S. military bases across the Gulf. The New York Times reported that, within 24 hours of the U.S. and Israel’s attack, Iran struck at least six U.S. military facilities, including the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Namama, Bahrain. The strikes in Bahrain destroyed multiple structures.
Strikes also hit Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, which houses U.S. Navy devices.
In lieu of Iran’s targeted strikes, Formula 1 is set to cancel races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The contests, set to take place on April 12 and April 19, respectively, will not go on as planned. Sky Sports was the first to report the news. Official confirmation of the decision is expected to be announced in the next 48 hours, according to Sky Sports.
BREAKING: Formula One races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will not go ahead due to the conflict in the Middle East, Sky Sports News understands.
The races were scheduled on consecutive weekends in mid-April.https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3
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— Sky News (@SkyNews) March 13, 2026