According to major media reports, the escalating conflict in the Middle East, with locations in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia targeted by Iranian missiles, means rounds four and five of the 2026 campaign are in serious doubt. In Bahrain, a hotel in Manama that usually hosts F1 personnel was targeted, and major airports in the region remain closed. Cancelling the grands prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia looks likely.
Formula 1 stands to lose an estimated £54 million if the races are cancelled. Saudi Arabia pays approximately £30 million to host a grand prix, the joint-most alongside Qatar, while Bahrain pays F1 an estimated £24 million for the right to host a grand prix. Formula One's overall revenues would be hit by the cancellations, but the impact would be kept to a minimum as the calendar would still have 22 races.
F1 is unlikely to replace the races with European locations due to logistical difficulties of a last-minute operation. The exact decision on whether the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races will be cancelled or proceed has not been announced. Current F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem have both emphasised that safety is paramount.
Stefano Domenicali stated, 'We don't want to do any statement today because things are evolving and we still have time to make the right decision. ' Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said, 'I would very much hope we race. Is it realistic that we race there at the moment?
' Bahrain owns McLaren, and Saudi Arabia is a prominent sponsor and investor in F1 via state-owned oil company Aramco. The 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix was cancelled due to unrest and not rescheduled after teams objected to a late October date. Bahrain paid its hosting fee for the 2011 race despite the cancellation, as confirmed by Bernie Ecclestone.
Whether Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will pay their hosting fees if the races are cancelled, as Bahrain did in 2011, remains uncertain.