The crisis in the Middle East is not only affecting the continuity of Formula 1 but may also cause a significant change in the World Endurance Championship calendar. The main long-distance racing category is considering canceling the rounds scheduled for Qatar and Bahrain, ending 2026 in Europe.
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According to information shared with participants during the São Paulo round weekend, the organizers presented a proposal to change the final stretch of the championship. According to Racer.com, after the 6 Hours of Fuji, the WEC would go through Barcelona before ending the year in Monza, replacing the races originally scheduled for Qatar and Bahrain.
The change is motivated by instability in the Middle East. The season opener, which was to be held in Qatar, had already been postponed, and the organizers state that travel to the region continues to be a challenge for manufacturers, suppliers, and others involved in the championship. Additionally, several companies have reinforced their travel restrictions to the Middle East. If the proposal is approved by the FIA World Motor Sport Council on July 23, Barcelona will host the race on October 18, while Monza will take the date of November 7, initially reserved for the 8 Hours of Bahrain.
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The change may also directly influence the fight for the titles. The Qatar and Bahrain rounds would be eight and ten-hour races, with points equivalent to one and a half times those of conventional races. With Barcelona and Monza hosting six-hour races, there will be fewer points at stake in the final rounds of the championship.
The scenario also draws attention in Formula 1. Although, for now, the category maintains the Qatar and Abu Dhabi GPs as the season finale, this schedule can still be reviewed. The expectation is that a decision will only occur later this year. There is also the possibility that the Bahrain GP will be rescheduled for early October, but no official decision has been announced so far.
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