FIA Confirms Bahrain and Saudi Arabia F2 Rounds Have Been Cancelled

After recent speculation, it has been confirmed today by the FIA and Formula 2 that, after consideration, Rounds 2 and 3 in Sakhir and Jeddah will not be going ahead due to the recent and continuous outbreak of conflict in the Middle-East.

The situation in the Middle-East is ever changing and ultimately, this invokes an unprecedented 3 month gap in the F2 championship fight.

Formula 2 released a statement at 22:30 (GMT) tonight confirming the cancellation of both race weekends along with the testing sessions scheduled in Bahrain at the end of March.

The statement said: “After careful evaluations, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, FIA Formula 2 Rounds at Sakhir and Jeddah will not take place in April.

“Furthermore, the In-Season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, scheduled on March 25-26-27 is cancelled.

“More information regarding the 2026 F2 Calendar will be available in due course.”

It is unknown whether any replacement circuits will be involved and as of this moment, it appears the season will now have only 12 rounds.

Along with Formula 2, Formula 1 has announced that both F1 weekends in Jeddah and Bahrain will not be going ahead. Formulas including Formula 3 and F1 Academy have been included in this decision.

Officials have apologised for the unfortunate interruption and ensured that the safety of drivers, teams and spectators remain at the forefront of their decision making.

With just one round completed, Nikola Tsolov, part of the Red Bull Junior team and currently racing for Campo Racing, remains in the lead of the championship after the 19 year-old Bulgarian led the majority of the Feature Race to secure his maiden Formula 2 win.

The consequences of this disruption are yet to be determined but it will undoubtedly be a defining factor in the 2026 F2 season.

However, Formula 2 will make a return in June for Monaco after an 88 day hiatus and it is expected that the season will return to its original calendar with the exception of both Middle-Eastern races.

Formula 2 has said that more information regarding the 2026 F2 Calendar will be available in due course.

Image: Getty Images via Formula Motorsport Limited

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