F1’s Middle Eastern Shake-Up
Why Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi May Be Dropped from the 2026 Calendar
Formula 1’s 2026 season was originally scheduled to visit Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi — four major races that have become key fixtures on the global calendar.
However, escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have thrown those events into doubt, prompting serious discussions about their removal or postponement.
In this blog, we explain why these races might be removed, what that means for the season, and how F1 is responding to unprecedented challenges.
Rising Tensions in the Middle East
Safety and Logistics at the Heart of the Issue
Recent military strikes and retaliatory attacks in the Middle East — involving the United States, Israel, and Iran — have caused significant instability across the region.
Airspace closures and flight disruptions through major transit hubs such as Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi have also impacted F1 logistics, especially for teams travelling to the season opener in Melbourne.
These conflicts have triggered:
Cancelled F1-related test sessions (e.g., Pirelli tyre testing in Bahrain) for safety reasons.
Concerns from teams and officials about travelling into or through affected areas.
Public statements from the FIA and Formula 1 indicating that safety and wellbeing will guide decisions about future races.
Why Middle Eastern Races Are Being Questioned
Safety First — But Not Just Safety
Here are the key reasons driving discussions about removing or postponing these races:
🛫 Travel Disruption and Safety
With major airline hubs disrupted, teams face longer and more complex travel routes if they continue to transit through Gulf States.
Even if the races currently remain on calendar papers, Formula 1 and the FIA have acknowledged that safety and wellbeing — now a priority — could force cancellations or contingency planning.
📍 On-Ground Security Risk
Missile strikes have been reported near Doha and the wider Gulf region, including in Bahrain — which has hosted F1 since 2004.
Even though no drivers were put at risk so far, the presence of conflict near circuits places additional strain on security assessments.
🌍 Impact on Teams and Staff
Team personnel often travel through the Gulf when moving between continents. Disruptions at key hubs like Qatar and the UAE complicate schedules and increase logistical costs.
📅 Calendar Complexity
If these races were dropped, F1 would need to restructure parts of the season — something it has done before during global events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Historical precedent shows Formula 1 can adapt when necessary.
The Official Calendar vs Reality
What Was Scheduled for 2026
According to the official 2026 schedule:
- The Bahrain GP was scheduled for April 12
- The Saudi Arabian GP followed a week later
- The Qatar GP was set for late November
- The Abu Dhabi GP was traditionally the season finale in December
Removing these races would strip out some of the most commercially significant events and major revenue sources for the sport — but not if safety concerns outweigh commercial interests.
What F1 Officials Are Saying
Cautious Monitoring and Safety-First Language
Formula 1 and the FIA have so far not officially cancelled the Bahrain or Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, but both organisations are actively monitoring the situation and consulting with local authorities.
The FIA’s leadership has explicitly stated that safety and wellbeing will be the guiding principles in deciding whether these events go ahead.
This kind of language signals that decisions will not be made lightly — but they could still happen if the geopolitical climate deteriorates further.
What Happens If the Races Are Removed
Potential Calendar and Sporting Impacts
If Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi were removed:
🗓 Fewer Total Rounds
The championship would lose several key events, reducing the number of races and potentially compressing the season.
🔁 Replacements or Alternates
F1 could reintroduce reserve circuits from Europe or other continents to fill gaps in the calendar — a strategy used during past crises.
📈 Fans and Teams
Fans in traditional hot spots would miss live action, and teams might need to adjust development progress and logistics.
Switching focus to Europe, Asia and the Americas could balance the season geographically but would reduce Gulf State influence and investment in the sport.
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Final Thoughts
The 2026 Season Could Look Very Different
Removing these iconic races would be unprecedented — but Formula 1 is no stranger to adapting its calendar in response to global events.
As safety remains the top priority and geopolitical instability continues in the Gulf region, the possibility of changes to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, or even Abu Dhabi cannot be ruled out.
Whether they stay or go, 2026 promises to be one of the most unpredictable and fascinating seasons in Formula 1 history.