Iran War Disrupts Formula One as Bahrain and Saudi Races Face Cancellation

Escalating tensions in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran have begun to affect global sporting events, with Formula One expected to cancel two major races scheduled in the Gulf region.

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix are likely to be removed from the 2026 Formula One calendar because of growing security concerns linked to the regional conflict.

Iran has launched missile attacks targeting US military bases located in Gulf countries, including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, in response to joint US and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory. The security situation has raised serious concerns about the safety of teams, staff and spectators involved in the championship.

April races unlikely to take place

According to reports, the Bahrain Grand Prix was scheduled to take place on April 12, while the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was planned for April 19.

Although it remains uncertain whether the conflict will continue until those dates, Formula One must make an early decision due to logistical deadlines. Teams must ship equipment and infrastructure to race venues weeks in advance, which makes delaying the decision difficult.

Because the F1 calendar is already packed with events, replacing the cancelled races is considered unlikely. If both events are removed, the 2026 championship season would be reduced from 24 races to 22.

Large gap expected in the race calendar

The cancellations would also create an unusually long break in the racing calendar.

The Japanese Grand Prix, scheduled for March 29, would remain the third race of the season. After that event, there would be a five-week gap before the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.

Such a break is rare in modern Formula One seasons, which usually run on a tight schedule with races almost every two weeks.

Lewis Hamilton backs F1 leadership

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has voiced confidence that Formula One will make the right decision regarding the races.

Speaking ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, the Scuderia Ferrari driver said he trusts the leadership of Formula One to prioritize the safety of everyone involved.

“I know that Stefano Domenicali will do what is right for all of us and the sport,” Hamilton said while referring to the Formula One chief executive.

Conflict continues to affect global events

The ongoing conflict has already disrupted various international industries, including aviation, energy markets and global travel. Major sporting events are now also feeling the impact.

If confirmed, the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races would mark one of the most significant disruptions to the Formula One season in recent years, highlighting how geopolitical conflicts can extend far beyond politics and economics into the world of sports.