Formula1 2026 was a much-awaited season for the fans. A ground-breaking regulatory overhaul, a surge of rookie talent, 2 new yet old drivers, and a jam-packed 24-race calendar from Melbourne to Abu Dhabi.
The season had barely found its rhythm when things fell apart: Two major races gone. Just like that.
Now the fans are looking at a 5-week void in the calendar. Wondering if the next races are safe or if we are looking at more disruptions?
In this blog, we will look into what's next and why April is so quiet for F1 fans.
Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix are OUT
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix are officially off the 2026 calendar.
Both countries were among the Gulf states struck during retaliatory attacks tied to the broader Iran war. With no sign of de-escalation, Formula1 had no choice but to pull the plug.
The season has been trimmed from 24 races to just 22. Neither cancelled event will be replaced.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali called it "a difficult decision" but "unfortunately the right one."
Venues like Italy's Imola and Portugal's Portimão were briefly floated as emergency replacements. But F1 is not a show you can relocate in two weeks. The freight, the staffing, the ticketing, the broadcasting infrastructure, and the logistical mountain were simply too steep.
But Miami Remains Safe
Good news: Miami is on.
Formula1's North and South American schedule is not directly impacted by the conflict, which is still centered in the Gulf region.
What fans should keep monitoring is the tail end of the season.
Both the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 6, 2026, and the Qatar Grand Prix on November 29, 2026, are still scheduled, but they are located in unstable areas. Although officials have voiced cautious optimism, but this year, cautious is the operative keyword.
This gap between Japan and Miami is the longest mid-season break since the sport was forced into its COVID bubble back in 2020, and it has sent shockwaves through the paddock.
What the Disruption Means for the Races Still to Come
Two fewer races do not just shrink the calendar. It reshapes the entire season.
With only 22 rounds now remaining, every dropped point carries more weight than originally planned. The championship mathematics have shifted significantly.
Take Max Verstappen. Already 60 points behind Kimi Antonelli after three races, he now has fewer opportunities to recover. A deficit that was manageable over 24 rounds becomes increasingly daunting over 22.
For the teams, Miami and Montreal are now carrying the burden of extra development cycles. A significant aerodynamic upgrade in Miami could shift multiple positions in the constructors' standings in a single weekend.