FORMULA 1 F1 CALENDAR 2026 LEWIS HAMILTON MOTOGP RUMOURS

How will the war in the Middle East impact F1?

15:45, 02 Mar

Updated: 17:47, 04 Mar

byKada Sarkozi

The ongoing war in the Middle East could have a significant impact on this year's F1 races, particularly the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races, which are scheduled for 12th and 19th April respectively, here GPblog asses what we know and the options facing F1.

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that his country’s attacks on Iran could last another four weeks is a concern for F1 and the FIA both operationally and logistically.

Should the bombing raids continue and air traffic remained restricted with travel advice that the region should be avoided, then cancellation is unavoidable.

F1 teams gather for crisis talks amid volatile Middle East situation

All eleven Formula 1 teams are set to meet with Formula 1 management this weekend in Australia to discuss the next steps regarding the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, GPblog understands, with the two races now under threat due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

The meeting is expected to focus on assessing the current situation and exploring possible alternative venues should the events be unable to go ahead as planned. However, no immediate decisions regarding cancellations are anticipated, as there is still some time available before a final call needs to be made.

What does F1 do without the Bahrain GP?

As 12th April race date fast approaches, there have been discussions about whether the race in Bahrain will be able to proceed as planned.

If it comes to that, the follow-up question is how to proceed. Will the race be moved to a later date, will there be a Grand Prix at another location, or will there be one fewer race in 2026?

The first option seems unlikely, as there is hardly any room on the packed calendar. There might be a gap between the races in Azerbaijan and Singapore, but during that period, it is blisteringly hot in Bahrain. Far from ideal for drivers, teams, and fans.

Option two is staging a Grand Prix elsewhere. The Imola circuit is the unofficial reserve venue, but a spokesperson for the circuit tells GPblog that they have heard nothing at all about possibly replacing the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The circuit in Bahrain - Photo: RacePictures

Whether Imola can even host Formula 1 at short notice is another question. There is no event scheduled at the circuit that particular weekend, so the space is there. Moreover, the World Endurance Championship (WEC) is visiting a week later, so additional grandstands and catering facilities are also in place.

What is the schedule for the Bahrain GP?

10Apr Practice 1 14:30 - 15:30
10Apr Practice 2 18:00 - 19:00
11Apr Practice 3 15:30 - 16:30
11Apr Qualifying 19:00 - 20:00
12Apr Race 18:00
(Note all local times)

Is the Saudi Arabian GP also at risk?

Now, alongside Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia has also been subject to strikes from Iran in the aftermath of the American and Israeli attacks.

A refinery of Aston Martin's title sponsor, Aramco, was ablaze after coming under fire from Iranian strikes, and now verified reports have said the US embassy in Riyadh has also been hit by Tehran.The advice from the British Foreign Office to its nationals currently in Saudi Arabia now mirrors the advice issued for Bahrain and the UAE, telling people to 'stay indoors and exercise caution' due to missile and drone activity.

As a result of these escalations, current F1 personnel from Mercedes, McLaren and Pirelli are all stuck following the shutdown of Middle Eastern airspace after unsuccessful attempts to leave.The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah is scheduled to take place on 19th April, just a week after the Bahrain Grand Prix, and GPblog has analysed what may happen if the Bahrain Grand Prix were to be cancelled.

What is the schedule for the Saudi GP?

17 Apr Practice 1 16:30 - 17:30
17 Apr Practice 2 20:00 - 21:00
18 Apr Practice 3 16:30 - 17:30
18 Apr Qualifying 20:00 - 21:00
19 Apr Race 20:00
(Note all local times)

Is WEC also a problem for F1?

At the same time, WEC is an obstacle for F1 because the paddock is usually occupied early by this entire circus. If Formula 1 were to race there, it would need to be gone quickly by Monday. Only then would WEC have the opportunity to set up their motorhomes and hospitality. To give an idea: these are by no means inferior to F1 nowadays.

All in all, with a bit of goodwill Imola could be feasible, but meticulous planning is essential. Therefore, once again: this is not something that can be arranged in a week.

Here is the current F1 schedule for 2026