Uncertainty grows over Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix

March 3, 2026 Oliver Obel

Formula 1’s governing body says safety will be the deciding factor for upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, as military tensions in the Middle East raise fresh uncertainty over the 2026 calendar.

The Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled for April 17, with Saudi Arabia set to host the following weekend. Both events are key stops in the early phase of the season and form part of Formula 1’s long-standing commercial presence in the region.

However, attention has shifted to whether those races can proceed after a sharp escalation in hostilities.

Over the weekend, US President Donald Trump announced that “major combat operations in Iran” had commenced. In the days that followed, US military installations in Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan and Bahrain were reportedly targeted in retaliatory strikes.

While the next three rounds of the championship Australia, China and Japan are unaffected geographically, the situation has prompted questions about April’s Middle East double-header.

FIA: Safety will guide decisions

Formula One Management said in a statement that it is monitoring developments closely, emphasizing that the immediate race schedule is outside the region.

“Our next three races are in Australia, China, and Japan, not in the Middle East – those races are not for a number of weeks,” the statement said. “As always, we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities.”

Planet F1 reported that FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem addressed the issue directly, stressing that the governing body’s response will be driven by security considerations.

“As President of the FIA, my thoughts are with all those affected by the recent events in the Middle East. We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and stand with the families and communities impacted,” he said.

“At this moment of uncertainty, we hope for calm, safety, and a swift return to stability. Dialogue and the protection of civilians must remain priorities.”

Ben Sulayem added that the FIA remains in contact with local organizers and stakeholders.

“We are in close contact with our Member Clubs, championship promoters, teams, and colleagues on the ground as we monitor developments carefully and responsibly,” he said. “Safety and well-being will guide our decisions as we assess the forthcoming events scheduled there for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the FIA Formula One World Championship. Our organisation is built on unity and shared purpose. That unity matters now more than ever.”

Logistical and historical considerations

The Middle East has become a cornerstone of Formula 1’s modern calendar, both commercially and strategically. Bahrain has hosted races since 2004 and frequently stages pre-season testing, while Saudi Arabia joined the schedule in 2021.

The sport has previously adjusted its plans in response to unrest in the region. The 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix was canceled amid political instability, demonstrating that Formula 1 is willing to alter its calendar when security concerns arise.

Any postponement now would present significant logistical challenges. The 2026 schedule is tightly packed, leaving limited flexibility to relocate or reschedule events without creating back-to-back race clusters.

Sky Sports F1 reporter Craig Slater said organizers could explore alternative dates if necessary, noting the sport’s adaptability in recent seasons.

“While they will liaise with the governments in those territories, they have shown that they can be adaptable and fluid with the calendar in the past,” Slater said.

“It’s a big calendar just by looking at it, not easy to think where you slot those races back in. There is a bit of a three-week gap in May, and there is the August summer break, but that’s very hot in the Middle East to be adding a race there.

“Potentially around Singapore, might it be possible if they can’t run a Bahrain or Saudi Arabia, they can slot it back in there. The problem is, you have got clusters of two races and three together, I don’t think Formula 1 would be keen to have four weekends in a row of action because it’s just a logistical headache.”

For now, both Formula One Management and the FIA say they remain in regular contact with authorities and local promoters. With several weeks before the championship reaches the region, officials appear to be taking a watch-and-wait approach as events continue to unfold.

Sources: Planet F1, Sky Sports F1