F1 Cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs, MotoGP Postpones Qatar GP

F1 and MotoGP have both changed their 2026 plans after the worsening conflict in the Middle East forced organisers to act. With safety concerns growing because of the war involving Israel, Iran, and the United States, both championships have decided they cannot go ahead with some of their planned opening events. After talks with local promoters, sporting bodies, and government officials, the focus has shifted to protecting teams, riders, paddock staff, and fans. It is a major early shake-up for both series, especially because Bahrain and Qatar were supposed to kick off their respective seasons.

F1 Cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs

Formula 1 has now cancelled the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for the 2026 season. The races in Sakhir and Jeddah will not be moved to another date later in the year, so they are out of the calendar completely. F1 management decided that the instability in the region made it impossible to host the two rounds as planned.

That means the 2026 F1 season will now have 22 races instead of the 24 that were first announced. It also leaves a big gap at the start of the year, as Bahrain was meant to open the season. Teams and logistics partners have already been told to send equipment and staff to the next race on the updated schedule.

The FIA and commercial rights holders have said the decision was made with the welfare of paddock staff in mind. Losing Bahrain and Saudi Arabia also affects the sport’s financial plans and removes two fast tracks from this year’s championship. Fans who had already bought tickets for both races are now being directed to official refund channels.

MotoGP Qatar GP Postponed

MotoGP has taken a different step, with the Qatar Grand Prix postponed instead of cancelled. The Lusail round was set to be the second race of the 2026 season, but officials are now monitoring the situation before selecting a new date later in the year.

Because of that, the MotoGP season will now go to another venue, while FIM officials continue working with the Qatari government to find a new slot and keep the planned number of races unchanged.