(Motorsport-Total.com) – Hopes for the return of the Bahrain Grand Prix to the 2026 Formula 1 calendar have been definitively dashed: After the renewed escalation of the conflict between the USA and Iran, the premier class now sees no possibility of rescheduling the race in Sakhir.
Read more Mercedes problems open a chance for Ferrari in the World Championship
At the same time, uncertainty about the season finale is even growing. Because the two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are also under observation given the tense situation in the Middle East. Behind the scenes, Formula 1 is working on various alternative scenarios, but the options are limited.
A decision on the final calendar is expected to be made only after the summer break. The officials had apparently already prepared to officially confirm Bahrain’s return during the Belgian Grand Prix next weekend.
According to current information from Motorsport.com Italy, a sister platform of Motorsport-Total.com in the Motorsport Network, the race in Sakhir was supposed to be rescheduled between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix. However, this will not happen due to the latest developments.
Question marks also behind Qatar and Abu Dhabi?
After the USA expanded their military strikes against Iran and Tehran responded with attacks on US bases in Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait, the Bahrain Grand Prix was again removed from Formula 1’s internal planning.
The 2026 Formula 1 calendar to click through
It remains unclear whether the race will be rescheduled at another track and what consequences a possible cancellation of the two Grands Prix in Qatar and Abu Dhabi would have. The teams are rather skeptical about the idea of using a venue twice in the same year.
Nevertheless, it is known that both the racing teams and Liberty Media need a calendar with at least 22 races. Contractual obligations lie behind this: While teams face sanctions from sponsors if there are too few Grands Prix, Liberty Media would have to provide explanations to TV partners.
Read more Alonso warns: «Then we have less performance than Formula 2»
Further races in Europe rather unlikely
Turkey is apparently considered a possible replacement for Bahrain, having already offered itself as a reserve venue in the past. However, Istanbul Park would first have to carry out several works required by the FIA, the world governing body for motorsport, especially on the kerbs and track limits.
According to the current status, this would even require state support and the approval of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan before the track could be ready for use at short notice. This would be possible but associated with a high effort.
Other options such as Portimao, where Formula 1 will also race next year, or Imola were also discussed internally. While the Portuguese track would also require modernization work, a return to Europe overall is considered unlikely.
Because after the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, the overseas phase of the season traditionally begins for the teams, which brings hurdles. At the same time, hospitality facilities and technical bases are maintained, so additional European races would bring significant logistical challenges.
Therefore, uncertainty is likely to accompany Formula 1 for a while. This affects not only the teams of the premier class but also the junior series Formula 2 and Formula 3, whose race calendars depend directly on the Formula 1 program.
Read more George Russell vs. Kimi Antonelli: Is the bad luck at Mercedes balanced?