LONDON : The Formula One calendar could be reduced from 24 to 22 races this season if the planned grands prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are cancelled due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. 🏎️
The Bahrain Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir is scheduled for April 12, followed by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah the next weekend. However, senior sources in the F1 paddock say the races are unlikely to be replaced if they are cancelled.
Security concerns have grown after missile and drone strikes linked to regional tensions involving Iran, following attacks by the United States and Israel. Airports in key Gulf hubs, including Manama, have also been affected, complicating travel and logistics for teams and personnel.
Rescheduling the races later in the year would be difficult because of extreme summer temperatures in the Gulf and an already congested F1 schedule. The sport also wants to maintain its traditional August summer break to ease pressure on teams.
Several circuits — including Imola Circuit in Italy, Circuit Paul Ricard in France, Algarve International Circuit in Portugal and Istanbul Park in Turkey — have been mentioned as possible replacements. But organisers say the short notice makes staging additional races extremely difficult due to logistics, ticket sales and staffing requirements.
Other motorsport events have already been affected. A round of the FIA World Endurance Championship scheduled in Doha has been postponed, while MotoGP faces uncertainty about its planned April 12 race at Lusail International Circuit in Qatar.
If the races are cancelled without replacement, the 2026 season would still feature 22 rounds, which remains one of the longest calendars in the history of Formula One.
