The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix are seriously threatened due to the regional conflict. But behind the security tensions, a financial standoff is delaying any official announcement.
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Formula 1 could be forced to modify its 2026 F1 calendar. The races scheduled in the Middle East, notably the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, are currently at the heart of urgent discussions following a military escalation in the region.
According to several sources, Iranian missiles and drones have hit various infrastructures in Bahrain, including a residential building as well as the Crowne Plaza hotel in Manama, usually used by several F1 teams. An oil refinery and a desalination plant were also hit, causing several injuries.
The Sakhir track, the usual venue for the Grand Prix, is located about 30 kilometers from the capital Manama. This proximity fuels concerns regarding the safety of the teams, drivers, and championship personnel.
A financial deadlock delays the decision
Despite the gravity of the situation, no official announcement has yet been made by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) or the Formula One Group.
The main reason for this silence is reportedly a financial disagreement between the various parties. According to the German newspaper Bild, the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix scheduled for April 12 now seems almost inevitable.
However, the central question remains who will officially make the decision to cancel the event. If the local organizer decides to halt the event, they would have to bear losses estimated at around 40 million dollars.
Conversely, if Formula 1 itself cancels the race, Bahrain would be exempt from paying its annual hosting fees, valued at nearly 45 million dollars. Negotiations are therefore reportedly underway to find a financial compromise and share the losses.
Logistics already blocked
Beyond political and financial considerations, the championship’s logistics are already starting to get complicated. Teams had left a large part of their equipment in the Sakhir garages after winter testing. Furthermore, a second batch of equipment is already stored in Jeddah in anticipation of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Without a race in Bahrain, it would become practically impossible to transport the equipment in time to Saudi Arabia, which would also jeopardize the event planned for the Jeddah street circuit.
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A final decision should be made by March 20 at the latest, the deadline for organizing the transport of equipment after the Japanese Grand Prix.
Saudi Arabia tries to save its race
Officially, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix remains on the F1 calendar. Saudi authorities are increasing initiatives to convince F1 to maintain the event.
Some proposals reportedly include providing private flights for all participants as well as guarantees related to the country’s air defense systems. These arguments might not be enough to reassure the championship’s decision-makers.
Faced with this uncertain situation, some circuits have been mentioned as replacement solutions. The Fuji Speedway track, owned by Toyota, has notably been mentioned as a potential candidate to host an additional race.
However, this option seems unlikely. Formula 1’s television contracts only require a minimum of 22 races per season. Since the initial calendar had 24, this provides enough margin to absorb potential cancellations.
Verstappen keeps an eye on the calendar
Asked in Shanghai about the possibility of taking advantage of a free weekend to participate in another competition, Max Verstappen remained true to his measured style: “If something changes in the calendar, I will look at what is possible.”
An allusion to the qualifying race of the Nürburgring NLS endurance championship scheduled for the same weekend as the Saudi event.
For now, Formula 1 remains suspended pending a political and financial decision that could profoundly disrupt the start of its 2026 season.
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