FIA confirm race cancellation days before Australian GP as statement issued
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.
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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."
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."
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.
Marcus Chan