F1's Bahrain and Saudi races set to be cancelled amid ongoing regional tensions

Formula One's Grand Prix races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are set to be cancelled over the weekend due to the ongoing regional tensions.

The racers were due to be in Bahrain for the new season's fourth round on April 10-12 before racing in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah a week later on April 17-19.

But according to Sky Sports News, with concerns over safety and travel, F1 bosses are ready to reduce the 2026 calendar to 22 races with no chance of rescheduling or replacing the venues.

Both Bahrain and Saudi are among several Gulf states to have been struck by Iranian missiles and drones during the recent conflict.

This means there will be a five-week gap in the schedule between the Japanese Grand Prix, the season's third round, on March 27-29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 1-3.

The F1 circuit is currently in Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix.