Formula 1 could face a strong financial impact if the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs are canceled in the 2026 season. A report indicates that the category could lose up to US$ 200 million in revenue with the removal of the two stages from the calendar.
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The study, prepared by investment bank Guggenheim Partners and obtained by Forbes magazine, indicates that the total loss could range between US$ 190 million and US$ 200 million, the equivalent of approximately R$ 1,012 billion to R$ 1,066 billion. Of this amount, about US$ 80 million would correspond to EBITDA, an indicator that represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.
The possible removal of the two races from the calendar would be related to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. International media outlets reported this Friday (13) that Formula 1 is evaluating canceling the races in light of the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Tension in the region has increased in recent weeks following military attacks against Iranian territory and subsequent retaliations. As part of this scenario, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were hit by missiles during the escalation of the conflict.
In the current Formula 1 calendar, the Bahrain GP is scheduled to take place between April 10 and 12. The Saudi Arabian GP appears right after, scheduled for the weekend between April 17 and 19.
Given the increase in insecurity in the region, the expectation is that the category will announce an official decision on the future of the two races in the coming days. If the cancellations are confirmed, the championship would have a reduction in the number of stages.
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According to information released by international agencies, there are no plans to replace these races on the calendar. As a result, the season would go from 24 to 22 races in 2026.
In addition to security concerns, the conflict has already caused logistical impacts for the teams and for the championship organization itself. Earlier this month, the closure of airspace in part of the Middle East made it difficult for teams to travel to the Australian GP.
Another reflection of the situation occurred in Bahrain, where a tire test that was scheduled for the local circuit ended up being canceled. The decision was made after a missile hit a United States Navy base located about 30 kilometers from the racetrack.
Even with the possibility of removing the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Formula 1 still has other stages planned for the region in 2026. The Qatar GP is scheduled for November 29.
The last race of the season remains scheduled for the Abu Dhabi GP, which closes the championship on December 6, in the United Arab Emirates. Any decision regarding these races should depend on the evolution of the conflict in the Middle East throughout the year.
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