Formula 1 could face problems holding the Bahrain GP due to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. And Imola emerges as a replacement possibility on the calendar should a cancellation need to happen in a few weeks.
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Last week, the United States attacked Iran in a coordinated action with Israel. And in a statement, US President Donald Trump indicated that his country’s attacks could continue for another four weeks.
So, as the days go by, it may become inevitable that the race in Sakhir has to be removed from the 2026 season, as the event is scheduled to take place in the second week of April. With the conflict extending, there could be bomb threats and closed airspace – as has already been happening for the Australian GP.
Should this happen, Formula 1 needs to start looking for an alternative to put in place of Bahrain on the 2026 calendar. And if there is a replacement, Imola is F1’s ‘unofficial’ reserve – but a representative told GPblog that there has not yet been any contact to possibly take the spot.
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For the weekend in question, there are no events scheduled, so the date would not be a problem. Furthermore, the World Endurance Championship, WEC, also an FIA event, has a round at the Italian circuit one week later, with additional grandstands also already in place.
However, the endurance category could indeed be a block for F1, since the paddock is normally occupied much earlier for races. If Formula 1 races there, it would need to remove everything by Monday so that the WEC could set up the category and team structures.
Although Imola emerges as a potential substitute on the calendar, it is also quite likely that if the Bahrain GP does not take place, the season will feature only 23 races.
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