The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix could be cancelled as security concerns continue in the Middle East, with Formula 1 sources indicating that the championship calendar may be reduced rather than replaced.
Senior figures within the Formula 1 paddock told Reuters that if the two races are cancelled, the most likely outcome would be a reduction of the 2026 season from 24 races to 22.
Introducing the 2026 F1 opening titles! 😍#F1 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/vp2q3f5bSt
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 5, 2026
The Bahrain Grand Prix is currently scheduled for 12 April at the Sakhir circuit near Manama. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah is planned for the following weekend.
Recent military developments in the region have created uncertainty around sporting events. Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain’s capital Manama have been targeted by missiles and drones launched from Iran following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. A hotel in Manama was reportedly hit during the strikes.
Airports in the region remain closed, affecting travel routes that are used by teams, officials and freight transport.
Other major motorsport events in the region are also affected. MotoGP is scheduled to race at the Lusail circuit in Qatar on 12 April, although organisers have indicated that staging the event on that date may not be possible. The World Endurance Championship round scheduled in Doha between 26 and 28 March has already been postponed.
Rescheduling the Formula 1 races later in the year at the same venues would present additional challenges. Temperatures in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia increase significantly during the European summer and autumn months, which could affect racing conditions.
The Formula 1 calendar also contains limited flexibility. The championship traditionally includes a summer break in August, and teams have previously expressed concerns about adding additional races later in the season.
Several circuits have been mentioned in media reports as possible replacements if the races cannot be staged in Bahrain or Saudi Arabia. These include Imola in Italy, Le Castellet in France, Portimão in Portugal and Istanbul Park in Turkey. However, arranging a race at short notice involves complex logistics, including freight transport, ticket sales, recruitment of marshals and local security arrangements.
Formula 1 has previously faced similar circumstances. The Bahrain Grand Prix in 2011 was cancelled due to unrest in the country and was not rescheduled after teams objected to a proposed date later in the season.
Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali said discussions are ongoing as the situation develops.
“We do not want to make any statement today because things are evolving and we still have time to make the right decision. This decision will be taken together,” Domenicali told Sky Sports during the Australian Grand Prix weekend in Melbourne.
Domenicali is expected to meet with Formula 1 teams and officials to discuss the situation. McLaren chief executive Zak Brown said teams had limited communication on the issue so far due to the logistical effort required to travel to Australia for the opening race of the season.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also addressed the situation, stating that he hoped the races could still take place but acknowledged that current conditions create uncertainty.
Other racing categories are also awaiting clarity. Formula 2, which supports the Formula 1 championship, is scheduled to hold a test session in Bahrain from 25 to 27 March after its season opening race in Australia.
Teams are currently preparing to ship equipment to Bahrain, although some paddock sources expect both the test and the Bahrain race weekend to be cancelled if the situation does not improve.
If both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Formula 2 rounds are cancelled, the next race in the series calendar would be the Monaco Grand Prix in June.
Formula 1 organisers continue to monitor developments in the region before making a final decision on the two events.
