Stages remain scheduled on the calendar, but regional tension puts events under observation
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The FIA and Formula One Management are closely monitoring the escalation of tensions in the Middle East following recent attacks involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Despite the unstable scenario, the Bahrain GP and the Saudi Arabian GP remain, for now, on the 2026 season calendar.
The situation worsened after Iran carried out attacks against US military bases in the region, including a missile attack against a United States naval facility in Bahrain, located in the Juffair region of Manama, an area frequently used by paddock members during the category’s visit to the country. The President of the United States announced the start of “major combat operations in Iran,” while Iranian authorities indicated that the escalation could continue.
According to reports from PlanetF1.com, both the FIA and Formula One Management maintain constant monitoring of the conflict. In a statement to the site, FOM said: “Our next three races are in Australia, China, and Japan, not the Middle East — these stages are still a few weeks away. As always, we closely monitor any such situation and work together with the relevant authorities.”
The Bahrain GP is scheduled as the fourth round of the championship, with the race set for April 12. The paddock is expected to start arriving in the country between April 7 and 8, which is more than five weeks after the most recent events. Still, sources indicate that paddock members are already looking for alternative routes to travel to Australia, the season-opening round, avoiding traditional connections in Doha, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi.
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Pirelli canceled a wet tire test it was to hold in Bahrain with Mercedes and McLaren, following the closure of the country’s airspace and the issuance of emergency alerts advising the population to seek immediate shelter.
Formula 1 has faced similar situations in the past. In 2011, the Bahrain GP took place amidst internal unrest in the country. In 2022, during the Saudi Arabian GP, a missile attack hit an Aramco facility near the Jeddah circuit while cars were on track for the first free practice. On that occasion, after meetings with local authorities and security guarantees, the category decided to maintain the event.
Even in 2025, an Iranian attack against the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar caused concern before the local GP, which ended up being held without incident.
For now, both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia remain confirmed on the calendar. However, the regional scenario remains evolving, and any decision will depend on the ongoing assessment by sporting and government authorities in the coming weeks.
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