Formula 1 has officially ruled out holding the Bahrain GP this season, but the decision goes beyond simply removing a race from the calendar. The measure reflects Formula One Management’s (FOM) concern for safety in the Middle East and could have significant sporting and financial impacts if other stages in the region are also affected.
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During the Belgian GP weekend, teams were informed that Bahrain would not return to the calendar. The race was scheduled for the first weekend of October, after a period of relative stability in the region, but the resumption of conflicts led FOM to abandon the plan. The main concern is not only the current situation but the impossibility of ensuring that teams, drivers, and thousands of professionals can travel safely in the coming weeks.
The category needs to start shipping equipment well in advance, in addition to organizing chartered flights, cargo transport, customs processes, and accommodation. Given the possibility of a worsening situation during this logistical operation, FOM chose to definitively remove the Bahrain GP from its plans rather than risk facing major operational problems.
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The decision also raises doubts about the Qatar and Abu Dhabi GPs, which remain on the calendar but without guaranteed realization. As these stages happen later, FOM has gained time to monitor the evolution of the situation before making a definitive decision. Meanwhile, it keeps different contingency plans active.
Among the alternatives, Portimão, in Portugal, appears as the main candidate to replace a possible canceled stage, thanks to its recent experience hosting Formula 1 and its FIA Grade 1 homologation. Another possibility under analysis is holding a second Azerbaijan GP in Baku, a solution that would reduce logistical complexity. Still, FOM’s preference remains to end the season in the Middle East, as Bahrain, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi represent some of the category’s most valuable contracts with local promoters. The loss of these races would mean a significant financial impact for Formula 1, both from promotion fees and revenues linked to hospitality, sponsorships, and commercial agreements.
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