Formula 1® is set to make a decision before the summer break regarding the possibility of rescheduling one of the postponed Middle Eastern Grands Prix this season. The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races, originally scheduled for March 2026, were postponed due to escalating regional conflicts following US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
Both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were affected by the ongoing hostilities in the region, leading to their postponement as safety concerns took precedence. Formula 1® CEO Stefano Domenicali has emphasized that the safety of all involved remains the top priority as the sport considers options to recover one of these events later in the year.
The current plan is to reach a decision on whether to reinstate either the Bahrain or Saudi Arabian Grand Prix before the August summer break. The only realistic slot to accommodate a rescheduled race appears to be the one-week gap between the Azerbaijan and Singapore rounds in September, with Bahrain being the likely candidate for this slot. Contingency plans are also in place should the season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi face disruption, including a backup race at Portimao, Portugal, which would serve as a test before its planned return to the calendar in 2027.
Expectations for a ceasefire and a memorandum of understanding within 60 days have raised hopes that at least one of the postponed Middle Eastern races can be recovered. However, no definitive confirmation has been made regarding which race will return or if both can be accommodated. The deadline for finalising contingency plans for the end of the year is set for mid-September.
While no specific teams or drivers are directly involved in the rescheduling decision, the changes to the calendar will impact all participants in the championship. The situation highlights the challenges Formula 1® faces in maintaining a stable and safe race calendar amid geopolitical uncertainties.
Formula 1® continues to monitor the situation closely, balancing the desire to maintain a full and competitive season with the imperative of ensuring safety for teams, drivers, and fans. The decision before the summer break will provide clarity on how the championship calendar will shape up for the remainder of 2026.
