Source:REUTERS/Mark Peterson
[Saba Sports News] Due to the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the 2026 F1 Middle East races, including the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, are at risk of cancellation. Reports indicate that the Bahrain Grand Prix was originally scheduled to take place from April 10-12, but because the Bahrain circuit is near a U.S. military base, there have been instances of air defense activities and security incidents within a 20-kilometer radius. Pirelli’s planned wet tire development tests have been canceled, and testing work for teams like Mercedes and McLaren has been halted. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is scheduled to occur from April 17-19, back-to-back with the Bahrain race, leading to a high overlap in logistics. Saudi energy facilities have previously been targets of conflict, raising safety concerns.
The statements from Formula One Management (FOM) and the FIA have been cautious and pragmatic, indicating they will closely monitor the situation, collaborate closely with local authorities, and dynamically assess emergency plans. Imola and Portimão are currently the preferred alternative circuits, but no decision has yet been made to cancel the Middle East races. As race materials need to be delivered to the circuit three weeks in advance, around March 10 is considered the “deadline.” If regional conflicts do not de-escalate by then, contingency plans to cancel or postpone the races will be activated. The BBC stated that the likelihood of rescheduling the race is extremely low, as the F1 calendar is already very tight with no obvious gaps to accommodate changes. Additionally, alternative circuit options may also face timing issues that could prevent timely replacements.
The editor believes that the difficulties of alternative plans lie not only in timing but also in logistics. The situation in the Middle East has led to the closure of airspace, which has also affected teams’ travel plans to Australia. If the Bahrain and Saudi races are ultimately canceled, a shortened season may be unavoidable.