F1 explores calendar reshuffle after Middle East race disruption

March 20, 2026 Oliver Obel

Formula 1 is assessing how to reshape its 2026 calendar after two early-season races in the Middle East were removed from their planned April slots.

The sport confirmed last weekend that the Bahrain Grand Prix (April 12) and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (April 19) will not take place as scheduled, citing the ongoing situation in the region. The decision leaves a gap in the calendar and raises questions about whether the events could be rescheduled later in the season.

F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali said the move was unavoidable given the circumstances.

“While this was a difficult decision to take, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East,” he said.

He added that Formula 1 hoped to return to both venues when conditions allow, thanking local organizers for their support.

Rescheduling challenges

Any attempt to reinsert the races later in the year is expected to face logistical hurdles. According to Sky Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast, journalist Peter Hardenacke said travel restrictions and freight complications could make a return to the region difficult within the current season.

Hardenacke said there had been internal discussions about alternative solutions, including the possibility of expanding existing race weekends. One idea involved turning the Japanese Grand Prix into a double-header, though that option was dropped due to the short notice and the challenges of organizing tickets, staffing, and sponsorship.

Limited calendar windows

Attention has instead shifted to potential openings later in the calendar. Hardenacke reported that a gap between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix could offer one of the few realistic opportunities to add another race.

“There’s another two-week window where we could schedule something,” he said.

However, he suggested that even this solution could create new problems for teams if it led to a compressed run of events.

“There are one or two people who are already saying it could well be that there’ll be four races in a row,” he said. “I don’t really think so… it would probably cause quite a bit of inconvenience for the teams, especially when you consider the strain on the mechanics.”

Formula 1 has not confirmed whether the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds will be rescheduled, and no replacement events have been announced.

Sources: Formula 1, Sky Sport Germany (Backstage Boxengasse Podcast)