F1 Today | Bahrain GP return imminent as Mercedes drops Antonelli appeal

Formula 1 is expected to confirm the return of the Bahrain Grand Prix to the 2026 calendar in the coming weeks, despite official silence on the matter. GPblog understands that teams have already been informed to prepare for a race weekend scheduled for October 2–4.

Earlier this year, the event was removed from the calendar because of the conflict in the Middle East. Rather than cancelling the race outright, Formula One Management described the decision as a postponement, leaving the door open for a possible return later in the season if conditions allowed.

Following the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, the situation has improved sufficiently for FOM to move forward with plans to reinstate the event. Teams are now expecting a formal announcement before the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. If confirmed, Formula 1 and Formula 2 will compete in Bahrain, while Formula 3 will not be part of the weekend.

Mercedes have decided not to contest the five-second penalty imposed on Kimi Antonelli during the closing stages of the British Grand Prix, GPblog has learned. The championship leader had been firmly in contention for victory before his race took a dramatic turn following a front-left wheel shield failure. The damage, sustained after riding the kerbs at the exit of Copse, also affected another aerodynamic component and left Antonelli struggling with a major loss of downforce. The Italian immediately informed the team that the car's balance had changed significantly.

In an effort to salvage the race, Mercedes called Antonelli into the pits on multiple occasions, but the underlying problem could not be resolved. The compromised handling led to several trips off the circuit, with the stewards eventually handing him a five-second penalty. That proved enough to drop the Mercedes driver out of the points after he crossed the line in ninth.

While Toto Wolff initially suggested the team could consider appealing the decision, Mercedes have now chosen not to pursue the matter. As a result, the penalty remains in place and Antonelli leaves Silverstone empty-handed.