- Formula 1 has cancelled its races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, scheduled for 12 April and 19 April respectively, due to escalating tension and conflict in the Middle East.
- The decision follows Iranian missile attacks on locations including Bahrain's capital, Manama, and recent drone attacks, making the region unsafe for the events.
- Replacing the events with European circuits was considered but deemed logistically unfeasible, resulting in the races being removed from the 2026 calendar, which will now comprise 22 races.
- The cancellation creates a five-week gap in the F1 schedule between the Japanese Grand Prix on 29 March and the Miami Grand Prix on 3 May.
- The move is estimated to cost F1 at least £100m in hosting fees, with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia being significant financial contributors and having deep ties to the sport.
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