According to major media reports, two upcoming Formula 1 races will be canceled due to the conflict in the Middle East. The canceled Formula 1 races are in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, according to major media. The conflict in the Middle East placed the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races in jeopardy, according to major media.
Alternative locations for the canceled Formula 1 races were explored but not substituted, according to major media. Logistical difficulties made it too significant to arrange new Formula 1 events with short notice, according to major media. The Formula 1 season calendar for 2026 will be shortened to 22 rounds, according to major media.
The exact date when the Formula 1 race cancellations were or will be officially announced remains unknown. Whether there are any plans to reschedule the canceled Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia for a later date in 2026 or future seasons is also unclear. The specific logistical or security reasons that made it impossible to hold the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, beyond the general conflict in the Middle East, have not been detailed.
Following the necessary changes to the calendar at the start of the season, the addition of these new rounds ensures the FIA Formula 2 Championship remains strong and balanced, and able to deliver for our teams, drivers and fans. Bringing the championship to North America via Miami and Montreal for the first time marks an important step in its continued global growth, strengthening the pathway alongside Formula 1 and connecting with new audiences. I thank all those who worked tirelessly to make these rounds possible.
How the shortened Formula 1 calendar (22 rounds) affects the championship points system or team contracts is another unresolved question. There is contradictory reporting about the timing of the Formula 1 race cancellations. The Daily Express suggests the cancellations are pending an announcement, while the Daily Mirror reports they have already been confirmed, creating uncertainty about the current status of the decision.
The Daily Express reports that two upcoming Formula 1 races will be canceled, with an announcement expected this weekend. In contrast, the Daily Mirror reports that it was subsequently confirmed that both Formula 1 events had been scrapped, and the decision was taken not to substitute either race. This discrepancy matters because it leaves fans and stakeholders unsure whether the decision is imminent or finalized.
Meanwhile, the canceled Formula 2 races have been rescheduled as support events at the Miami and Canadian Grands Prix in May, according to major media. Arranging new Formula 2 events was more straightforward due to existing infrastructure at upcoming Formula 1 races, according to major media. Formula 2 will race at the Miami Grand Prix on the first weekend of May, according to major media.
While it has not been possible to go ahead with the two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia this month, and we look forward to being back with our passionate fans there as soon as possible, it is great news for our fans, the drivers and the teams that Formula 2 will be racing in Miami and Montreal. Bruno [Michel, F2 CEO] and the whole F2 family have done a great job, working closely with us, the FIA, and the Miami and Montreal promoters, to ensure we limit the gap in racing for the championship this season and I want to thank them for making this possible.
The Monaco Grand Prix in early June will be round four of the Formula 2 season, according to major media. This marks the first time Formula 2 will race in North America via Miami and Montreal, according to major media. FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem stated in an official statement that following necessary calendar changes, the addition of new rounds ensures the FIA Formula 2 Championship remains strong and balanced, and bringing the championship to North America via Miami and Montreal for the first time marks an important step in its global growth.
Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali added in an official statement that while it has not been possible to go ahead with the two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia this month, it is great news that Formula 2 will be racing in Miami and Montreal, and he thanked those involved for making this possible. Whether other motorsport series besides Formula 1 and Formula 2 have been impacted by the conflict in the Middle East is not specified in the available reports. The cancellations come amid ongoing regional tensions that have disrupted international sporting events.
Formula 1 has previously faced challenges in the Middle East, but this marks a significant disruption to its calendar. The shortened 2026 season will now feature 22 rounds instead of the originally planned 24, affecting team strategies and fan engagement. The rescheduling of Formula 2 races to North America highlights efforts to maintain the championship's momentum despite the cancellations.
The Miami and Canadian Grands Prix will now host additional Formula 2 events, leveraging existing logistics and infrastructure. This move is seen as a strategic expansion for Formula 2 into new markets. The uncertainty surrounding the Formula 1 cancellations underscores the broader impact of geopolitical conflicts on global sports.
Stakeholders, including teams, sponsors, and broadcasters, are awaiting official confirmation to adjust their plans accordingly. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for future Formula 1 seasons if conflicts persist.