sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
FIA confirm race cancellation days before Australian GP as statement issued

Home> F1

Published 11:57 4 Mar 2026 GMT

FIA confirm race cancellation days before Australian GP as statement issued

Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, released an official statement to confirm the cancellation.

Marcus Chan

Marcus Chan

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

Ahead of this weekend's Formula 1 season opener in Australia, the FIA have announced a race cancellation.

The 2026 Formula 1 campaign will begin this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix, taking place around Albert Park in Melbourne.

Although the Grand Prix Down Under is not impacted, there have been concerns raised over April's races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Due to the ongoing conflict in the region, there have been reports that safety concerns could lead to the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix, which is set to be held on April 12. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix could also be in danger as it takes place a week after Bahrain.

Advert

A statement from Formula One Management read: "Our next three races are in Australia, China, and Japan, not in the Middle East – those races are not for a number of weeks.

"As always, we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities."

The 2026 Formula 1 season will begin this weekend. Image: Getty
The 2026 Formula 1 season will begin this weekend. Image: Getty

On Tuesday, motorsport's governing body, the FIA, announced they had cancelled the first race of the World Endurance Championship.

The race was originally scheduled to take place at the Qatar 1812km later this month, but has now been postponed.

An official statement read: "The Qatar 1812km – originally scheduled to stage the opening round of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship campaign on 26-28 March – has been officially postponed until later this year.

"FIA WEC management has been in constant dialogue with the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) in light of the current and evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East.

"With the safety and security of competitors, personnel and fans of the utmost importance, the decision has been taken to delay the event that had been due to take place on 26-28 March."

Image: X/@FIAWEC
Image: X/@FIAWEC

It continued: "Following further discussions with out colleagues at Lusail International Circuit (LIC), where the race is held, a new date for the Qatar 1812km during the second half of the season will be finalised and communicated in due course."

As a result of the Qatar event being cancelled, the WEC season will now begin with the 6 hours of Imola, taking place on April 17-19.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Formula 1, FIA

Marcus Chan
Marcus Chan

Recommended reads

Dennis Taylor interview: Why snooker legend is playing in brand-new event... and how he saved someone's lifeGettyRanking the top 10 best golfers of all time as Nicklaus v Woods GOAT debate settledGetty ImagesDavid Munyua and Peter Wachiuri interview: 'We wish for major PDC players to come and visit Kenya'Getty / Instagram/@wachiuridartsMark Selby lifts lid on backstage talks over Crucible as landmark agreement reachedGetty

Advert

Choose your content:

16 hours ago
20 hours ago
22 hours ago
  • Getty
    16 hours ago

    FIA confirm changes to 2026 F1 regulations as statement issued ahead of Miami GP

    Mohammed Ben Sulayem has addressed the matter, while the FIA have also made clear what will change.

    F1
  • Getty
    16 hours ago

    Six nations want to host F1 as Liberty prepare to break promise and add more races

    The F1 calendar could be getting a huge revamp.

    F1
  • Getty
    20 hours ago

    Futuristic F1 track with unique detail 'to replace' current circuit in next decade

    Construction is already underway, with a current circuit set to be replaced.

    F1
  • Getty
    22 hours ago

    F1 officials release statement ahead of emergency "high-level" meeting to discuss regulation changes

    The 2026 regulation changes have not been received well by several drivers, including Max Verstappen.

    F1
  • Italian F1 expert identifies Lewis Hamilton's 'lowest point' as major Ferrari question raised
  • FIA Issue Statement As Two Teams 'Breach Rules' Days Before Mexico GP
  • Max Verstappen makes worrying claim just days before Australian GP
  • F1 chiefs issue statement on Australian GP following Middle East bombings