Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Stripped From F1 Calendar With No Substitute Races Planned
Formula 1 has announced the cancellation of its scheduled races in both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with no replacement events planned for the 2026 season. The removal of these two rounds represents a significant adjustment to the championship calendar.
The Formula 1 calendar has undergone a notable reshaping with the official cancellation of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Unlike previous instances when the sport has dropped events from its schedule, no alternative venues have been secured to fill the void left by these two high-profile Middle Eastern rounds.
This development marks a departure from F1's typical approach, which has often involved identifying replacement circuits when cancellations occur. The absence of substitute races means the 2026 season will proceed without these previously scheduled fixtures, resulting in a reconfigured championship calendar for the year ahead.
The implications of this decision remain significant for the sport's global footprint and the number of races drivers and teams will contest throughout the campaign.
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Related Regulations
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Full Regulation Text
Article C1.1
Formula One World Championship
Chapter: ARTICLE C1: GENERAL PRINCIPLES
In Simple Terms
The FIA (motorsport's governing body) runs the Formula 1 World Championship, which is their property. The championship awards two titles each year: one to the best driver and one to the best team (constructor). It's made up of all the races on the F1 calendar throughout the season.
- The FIA owns and organizes the entire F1 World Championship
- Two world titles are awarded annually: Driver's Championship and Constructor's Championship
- The championship consists of all official Formula One Grand Prix races scheduled on the F1 calendar
- F1 is a competition between both individual drivers and their teams
Official FIA Text
The FIA will organise the FIA Formula One World Championship which is the property of the FIA and comprises two titles of World Champion, one for drivers and one for constructors. It consists of the Formula One Grand Prix races included in the Formula One calendar.
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