Resuming F1 Action: When Will the Next Race Take Place After the Break?

The new F1 season is only three weeks into the campaign but we’re now set for an unscheduled month-long break.

Mercedes are the early pace setters so far with Kimi Antonelli and George Russell occupying the top two spots in the drivers’ standings.

Across 22 race weekends, six of them including sprint races, fans will follow every twist and turn of the campaign with defending champion Lando Norris yet to get to grips with his new car.

But they’ll have to wait a little longer before the season resumes. Here’s everything you need to know about when F1 will return.

Why is there an F1 break?

Following the conclusion of the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29, the F1 circuit was set to continue in Bahrain (April 10-12) and Saudi Arabia (April 17-19).

However, in mid-March, F1 announced after “careful evaluations” that it is not safe to hold either race because of the ongoing conflict across the region.

With Iran at war with the US and Israel, safety of those in the Middle East and those travelling to surrounding countries has been the priority. Logistically, it was also proving a headache for teams as equipment and chassis would have needed to travel through the blocked Strait of Hormuz.

Will the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia F1 races be rescheduled?

The races will not be rescheduled or replaced, meaning the F1 season will be reduced to 22 races.

Saudi minister of sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal said the country had been ready to host the event.

“We respect the decision taken by Formula 1 regarding the 2026 race calendar,” he said.

“However, Saudi Arabia was fully prepared to host the race once again in Jeddah, building on the success of the five editions we have delivered so far.

“We want the international sporting community to know that the Kingdom remains a trusted partner and destination for global sport.”

When is the next F1 race?

With the cancellation of the two races it means there will be a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on 27-29 March and Miami on 1-3 May.

How to watch F1 in 2026 in USA: TV channel, live stream

Here’s how to watch F1 in 2026 in USA:

In the United States, Apple has the exclusive rights to F1 for the 2026 season. 

New subscribers to Apple TV can sign up for a 7-day FREE trial. If you’ve bought an eligible Apple device recently, you can also get up to three months of the streaming service totally free. After that, the subscription will cost $12.99/month. 

For the 2026 season, Apple TV will host all Free Practice, Qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix with select races and all Free Practice sessions throughout the season available to watch for free in the Apple TV app.

F1 TV Premium, F1’s own premier content offering, will continue to be available in the US via an Apple TV subscription only and will be free for those who subscribe.

Formula 1 2026 race calendar and schedule

The first race for the season took place in Australia in March. 

It will be a 22-round campaign with the United States hosting three races, the most by any nation. 

Madrid is the latest addition to the race calendar. Meanwhile, there are six sprint weekends in 2026.