F1 insider drops major update on Saudi Arabia and Bahrain races being cancelled
An update has been provided on the potential cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, amid growing concerns over conflict in the Middle East.
The F1 season got underway on Sunday, as title favourite George Russell headed a Mercedes one-two at Albert Park, after a dominant qualifying session that saw Kimi Antonelli line up second.
However, Russell was made to work for victory in the opening stages after Ferrari's Charles Leclerc powered off the line to take the lead from fourth on the grid.
Leclerc was able to fend off the Brit's attacks up until the first virtual safety
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car, where Ferrari opted against pitting their drivers, handing track position to both Russell and Antonelli who never looked back.
The 2026 F1 season was set to match 2025 as the longest in the sport's history with 24 rounds, however, that looks increasingly unlikely due to esculations in the Middle East.
F1 has already been forced to cancel a Pirelli tyre event in Bahrain last week, following missile strikes in the region.
Footage via the BBC shows debris fired into the air after a retaliation strike by Iran on the Bahrain National Communication Centre , which is only 15 miles from the Bahrain circuit.
The test cancellation raised doubts over the Bahrain and Saudi grand prix, which are currently scheduled for April 12, and April 19 respectfully.
F1 set to cancel Saudi and Bahrain Grand Prix
Following the initial developments, F1 issued the following statement: "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."
However, a week on an update has been provided on the potential cancellations by Daily Mail F1 writer Jonathan McEvoy.
"It looks likely that Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will fall off the calendar this season, collateral damage of the Middle Eastern conflict," he wrote.
McEvoy added that official confirmation of the cancellations is expected in the coming weeks with no current plans to replace the tracks, but implied a significant bid could turn heads.
"I am told a firm decision will be made in the next couple of weeks, and that, as it stands, neither will be replaced or rearranged," he wrote.
"Let’s see, rapacious Formula One may succumb to any bidder who offers them a zillion dollars."
Assuming Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are cancelled, it would mean there would be no grand prix in April for the first time since 2020.
This means following the Japanese Grand Prix later this month, there wouldn't be a Grand Prix Sunday until Miami on May 3rd.
Tom Jenkins