Formula 1 executives are actively exploring the possibility of reinstating one or both of the Middle Eastern Grands Prix that were cancelled last month due to the ongoing conflict in the Gulf. The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races, originally scheduled for April, were removed from the 2026 calendar in mid-March following US missile strikes on Iranian military sites and subsequent retaliatory attacks across the region.
Recent statements from Liberty Media, the sport's American owners, and the FIA, the governing body, suggest that solutions for rescheduling are under consideration. During a conference call with investors last week, Liberty Media CEO Derek Chang confirmed that executives were "continuously evaluating the calendar this year." He added, "It might be possible to reschedule one race toward the end of the season." However, he emphasized that any decision would be made in a "timely fashion."
Safety Remains Paramount
The reinstatement of either race hinges entirely on a permanent resolution to the conflict in the Middle East. On Monday, US President Donald Trump described the ceasefire with Iran, in force since 7 April, as on "massive life support" after dismissing Iran's peace proposals. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem stressed that "security and safety come first," adding, "Humans are always the priority." He warned that if the conflict continues into October or November, the races would not proceed.
Potential Rescheduling Windows
The most viable gap in the calendar for a reinstated race is between the Azerbaijan GP on 26 September and the Singapore GP on 11 October. A race in Bahrain or Saudi Arabia would align well with logistical travel routes. However, adding a third 'triple-header' would stretch teams to nine races in 11 weeks. Another option is slotting a race into the concluding triple header of Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, but this would require pushing the Abu Dhabi GP back to 13 December, conflicting with its national day celebrations and premium final-race status.
Which Race Is More Likely?
Bahrain's longstanding relationship with F1 and its permanent track make it a preferred option, but the Saudi race in Jeddah has not been directly targeted by Iranian strikes, making it potentially safer. F1 stands to lose an estimated £100 million in hosting fees (Saudi £55 million; Bahrain £45 million), but the sport's strong financial footing tempers immediate concern.
Turkey's Istanbul Park has been mooted as a potential alternative, with Ben Sulayem suggesting it could return a year early if homologation is completed. However, this remains an unlikely option at present. The final decision will depend on how the Middle East situation evolves in the coming months.
