Formula One cancels Bahrain, Saudi races over Iran conflict
Formula One has canceled the Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix scheduled for April because of the Iran conflict.
The decision removes two key Middle East races from the early part of the 2026 season. Officials said concern for the safety of teams, drivers and fans made it impossible to proceed.
Organizers are now assessing whether the races can be rescheduled later in the year if conditions improve.
“Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are incredibly important to the ecosystem of our racing season and I look forward to returning to both as soon as circumstances allow.” FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said.
Bahrain and Abu Dhabi take the wheel at F1 team McLaren Racing
Bahrain’s sovereign fund, Mumtalakat and Abu Dhabi’s CYVN Holdings became the full owners of Formula One’s McLaren Racing on Tuesday in a transaction that is reportedly valued at as much as $5 billion.
The team issued a statement that confirmed the transfer of all shares that were previously held by MSP Sports Capital, funds managed by O’Connor Capital Solutions, Ares Sports, Media and Entertainment funds, and Caspian Funds.
Bahrain sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat will remain the majority shareholder with CYVN holding a non-controlling stake, Reuters reports.
It comes amid an on-track resurgence for McLaren, with drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris sitting in first and second place after winning 12 out of 15 races this season.
