MotoGP postpones Qatar Grand Prix due to Middle East conflict

5 articles

3 sources

0% diversity

Updated 15.3.2026

Key Topics & People

Bahrain *Formula One FIA Saudi Arabia Middle East

Coverage Framing

Conflict(3)

National Security(2)

Avg Factuality:80%

Avg Sensationalism:Moderate

Story Timeline

Mar 15 Morning

2 articles|1 sources

iran warformula oneqatar grand prixmotogpmiddle east conflict

Conflict(1)

Al JazeeraMar 15

MotoGP postpones Qatar Grand Prix due to Middle East conflict

Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, MotoGP has postponed the Qatar Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April 10-12 at the Lusail International Circuit. The race has been rescheduled for November 8 to minimize disruption to the MotoGP schedule. As a result, the Portuguese Grand Prix will now take place on November 22, and the season finale in Valencia will move to November 29. This decision follows similar postponements by Formula One, which cancelled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix in April due to safety concerns related to the Iran war. The announcement was made before the Chinese Grand Prix.

MeasuredFactual2 sources

Neutral

National Security(1)

Al JazeeraMar 15

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia F1 race cancellations confirmed due to Iran war

Due to the ongoing Iran war and related safety concerns, Formula One (F1) and the FIA announced the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, scheduled for April 12 and 19 respectively. The decision, revealed in Shanghai ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, was made following retaliatory attacks in both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. F1 president Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized the priority of safety for the F1 community. While alternatives were considered, no replacement races will be held in April. The FIA and F1 expressed hope to return to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia when the situation improves, highlighting their importance to the racing season.

MeasuredFactual2 sources

Neutral

Key Claims

factual

The Qatar GP, scheduled for April 10-12, has been rescheduled for November amid the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran.

— Article

quote

MotoGP confirms that the Qatar Grand Prix has been postponed to November 8 due to the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East.

— MotoGP

factual

The Portuguese Grand Prix will now take place on November 22, and the season finale in Valencia will move to November 29.

— Organisers

factual

Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi leads the championship after the first round in Thailand.

— Article

factual

Formula One and its governing body, FIA, said the Grand Prix races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will not happen in April due to safety concerns.

— F1 and FIA

Mar 14 Evening

1 articles|1 sources

f1race cancellationmiddle east warsafetybahrain

National Security(1)

The Guardian - World NewsMar 14

F1 cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabia GPs because of Middle East war

Formula One has cancelled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix races, scheduled for April 12th and 19th respectively, due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. The FIA and F1 cited safety concerns for all involved as the primary reason for the cancellation. The Bahrain circuit's proximity to a US base targeted by Iranian attacks, and existing logistical challenges with team freight already in Bahrain, contributed to the decision. The cancelled races are unlikely to be replaced, leaving a five-week gap in the F1 schedule after the Japan race on March 29th. The FIA president expressed hope for a return to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia when circumstances allow.

MeasuredFactual1 source

Neutral

Key Claims

factual

Formula One has cancelled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia grands prix because of the war in the Middle East.

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factual

The races were due to take place on 12 April in Bahrain and 19 April in Saudi Arabia.

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quote

The FIA will always place the safety and well being of our community and colleagues first.

— Mohammed Ben Sulayem

factual

Bahrain’s Sakhir circuit is only 20 miles (32km) from a US base that has already been the target of Iranian attacks.

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prediction

The season is likely to run to 22 meetings.

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Mar 13 Evening

2 articles|2 sources

bahrainsaudi arabiaf1 racesgrands prixmiddle east conflict

Conflict(2)

Al JazeeraMar 13

Bahrain and Saudi F1 races set to be cancelled due to Middle East conflict

Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Formula One races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, scheduled for April 12th and 19th respectively, are expected to be cancelled. Sources indicate an announcement is imminent, driven by logistical deadlines and safety concerns following attacks in the region, including Bahrain's capital. Sky Sports reports the cancellation is expected by Sunday night. The races are unlikely to be rescheduled, potentially reducing the F1 championship to 22 rounds, leaving April vacant. Teams are relying on guidance from the FIA and Formula One regarding the situation. The World Endurance Championship's Qatar round has been moved to October.

Mixed toneFactual2 sources

Neutral

BBC News - WorldMar 13

Bahrain & Saudi Arabia Grands Prix to be cancelled

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix, scheduled for April, are expected to be cancelled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. A formal decision is anticipated soon, driven by concerns for personnel safety given the lack of resolution to the conflict. Cancelling these races, which are among the highest paying hosts, will reduce the Formula 1 season to 22 races and result in a significant financial loss exceeding £100 million. Alternative locations like Portimao, Imola, and Istanbul Park were considered, but logistical constraints and financial considerations made them unviable replacements. The cancellation will create a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix in late March and the Miami Grand Prix in early May.

MeasuredFactual

Neutral

Key Claims

factual

The race in Bahrain was scheduled to be on 12 April with Jeddah the following weekend.

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factual

The decision will mean there is a five-week break between the Japanese Grand Prix on 29 March and Miami on 3 May.

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factual

United States and Israeli attacks on Iran are continuing while Iranian drones and missiles have hit some Middle Eastern capitals.

— null

factual

A formal decision to call off the races has not yet been made but is expected before the end of the weekend.

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statistic

F1 taking a commercial hit of more than £100m, given Bahrain and Saudi Arabia pay two of the highest hosting fees.

— null