How does the US-Iran conflict affect the 2026 Formula 1 season

Following American and Israeli strikes on Iran, Tehran’s retaliation is targeting several countries in the Middle East.

To begin with, Pirelli had to cancel a wet tyre test at the Bahrain International Circuit last Saturday. GPblog has learned that Nyck de Vries and Frederik Vesti were meant to drive for McLaren and Mercedes respectively in Sakhir.

Mercedes, McLaren and Pirelli are working extensively to evacuate their personnel from the region. As of 1 March, so far, all attempts have been unsuccessful, GPblog understands.

A refinery of Aston Martin's title sponsor and F1's global partner, Aramco, was on fire as well. A statement from the Saudi Press Agency reports that the refinery sustained "minor damage from falling debris," and it caused no injuries or fatalities.

The conflict also influences travel plans to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. In a recent interview, however, Australian Grand Prix CEO Travis Auld said he anticipates "no impact" on the 2026 season opener on 8 March.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also shared an update on the situation on social media. "Safety and wellbeing 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," he wrote.

The first response of FOM last Saturday read: "Our next three races are in Australia, China and Japan, not in the Middle East - those races are not for a number of weeks. As always, we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities."

The Imola circuit appears to be the designated track to potentially replace a cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix, but a spokesperson for the track told GPblog that they have heard nothing at all about possibly replacing the Bahrain Grand Prix.

In GPblog's analysis, we outlined three possibilities. Read our full analysis of may — or may not — happen here.