The futures of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix remain in doubt due to the ongoing Middle East crisis. Organizers in Jeddah are pushing to keep the Saudi race on the Formula 1 calendar, but discussions suggest outright cancellation is likely. Formula 1 is monitoring the situation closely as a decision deadline approaches.
Discussions are ongoing regarding the Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled for the weekend of April 10-12, and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix the following weekend. These events are threatened by a Middle East crisis triggered by military strikes from the United States and Israel against Iran, followed by Iran's retaliation.
A Pirelli tyre test planned in Bahrain from February 28 to March 1 was cancelled after the attacks began. Iran launched a missile at the US Navy's Fifth Fleet command centre in Bahrain, with additional missiles targeting Qatar, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Heavy flight disruptions persist across Persian Gulf states, including attacks on Dubai International Airport.
Formula 1 states that the situation is being closely monitored, with time still available before a final decision on cancellation. However, a deadline looms due to the need to transport freight to Sakhir for the Bahrain race. RacingNews365 understands that Jeddah organizers are determined to retain their slot, though the Saudi event's future is linked to Bahrain's. If one race is cancelled, the other will follow, leaving Formula 1 in a challenging position.
Should both be cancelled, the 2026 season would feature 22 races, with no replacements planned and no grands prix in April. Imola and Portimao have been considered as alternatives, but Imola is unavailable due to hosting the FIA World Endurance Championship opener on April 19, the date of the planned Saudi race. Logistical challenges would arise from staging an F1 event and the WEC back-to-back at Imola. Assuming no further cancellations of the Qatar and Abu Dhabi grands prix later in the year, 22 races would mark the fewest since 2023.
