Rising tensions in the Middle East amid the ongoing war between the United States, Israel and Iran have not only impacted the global oil economy, but its effects are now also reaching the world of sports.
Formula One is expected to cancel its scheduled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to safety concerns.
In retaliation against joint US-Israeli military strikes, Iran launched several missile attacks against US military bases in Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
According ESPNthe race in Bahrain was scheduled for April 12 and the race in Saudi Arabia was scheduled for April 19.
Although it is not yet clear whether fighting will continue into April, a decision is required soon due to logistical constraints.
Due to the already tight schedule, it is unlikely that the canceled races will be replaced. This would reduce the 2026 calendar from 24 to 22 races.
The development would also add a five-week break between the third round of the new season in Japan on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
Earlier, seven-time world champion and Scuderia Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton expressed his confidence in the organisation, saying: “F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali will do the right thing for all of us and for the sport.”
