The holding of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix is increasingly uncertain. Due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Formula 1 could be forced to take a radical decision in the coming days.
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The 2026 F1 calendar could be heavily disrupted. The organizers of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix are currently fighting to maintain their race on the schedule, while uncertainty grows around the two events planned for the Middle East in April: the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
These questions originate from the escalation of regional tensions following military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, followed by an Iranian response. This explosive climate has caused a series of incidents in several Gulf countries, seriously complicating the organization of major international events.
The situation notably resulted in the cancellation of a Pirelli tire test scheduled at the Bahrain circuit between February 28 and March 1. This test was abandoned after the launch of Iranian missiles targeting the command base of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. Other projectiles were also reportedly fired towards Qatar, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.
Heavy logistical uncertainties
In this tense context, air transport in the Persian Gulf region remains heavily disrupted. Several major airports have been hit or targeted by attacks, including Dubai International Airport, one of the most important air hubs in the world.
These logistical difficulties represent a real headache for Formula 1. The Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled to take place from April 10 to 12 at the Sakhir circuit, before the championship continues the following week with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.
However, the sport must decide very quickly if these events can be maintained, particularly due to the tight schedule for transporting equipment. The cars, mobile garages, and the entire paddock infrastructure must be shipped several weeks in advance, which requires an imminent decision.
Saudi Arabia pushes to maintain its race
According to several consistent reports, the promoters of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix are currently lobbying to keep their place on the F1 calendar. However, the fate of the Jeddah event remains closely linked to that of the Bahrain Grand Prix.
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In practice, if one of the two courses were to be canceled, the other would likely suffer the same fate. Such a decision would place Formula 1 in a delicate situation, as replacing these two events at short notice promises to be extremely complicated.
Some circuits had been mentioned as backup solutions, notably Imola or Portimão. But these options appear unrealistic. The Italian track is already hosting the season opener of the World Endurance Championship on April 19, which is precisely the date scheduled for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Organizing two major international events on two consecutive weekends would represent a colossal logistical challenge for the Italian circuit.
A season potentially reduced to 22 courses
If the two Middle Eastern Grands Prix were ultimately canceled, the Formula 1 season would then take place with only 22 rounds in 2026. No replacement would be scheduled, leaving the month of April entirely empty on the calendar.
Such a scenario would mark a return to a shorter calendar, a situation the sport has not seen since the 2023 season.
For now, Formula 1 says it is monitoring the situation very closely. But with logistical imperatives fast approaching, a final decision could be made in the very next few days.
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