Potential Return of Middle Eastern Races
Formula 1 management is evaluating the possibility of bringing back either the Bahrain or Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to the championship calendar in 2026. Both races, originally scheduled for April, were cancelled due to security concerns stemming from heightened regional conflict, particularly involving Israel, the US, and Iran. The decision to cancel was a direct response to the deteriorating safety situation in the Middle East.
F1 officials are considering slotting one of these races into the schedule between the Singapore Grand Prix (October 9-11) and the United States Grand Prix (October 23-25). The Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir or the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia are the potential venues for the 2026 calendar. This evaluation comes as the sport navigates the complex logistics and safety requirements of hosting events in the region. Following the Japanese Grand Prix, the championship currently has a five-week break before resuming with the Miami Grand Prix from May 1-3.
Upcoming Races and 2023 Season Standings
With the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds cancelled, the next confirmed events on the current calendar are:
- The Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, scheduled for May 22-24
- The Mexican Grand Prix, set for October 30 to November 1
The season finale will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in early December.
In the 2023 season standings, Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli currently leads the drivers' championship with 72 points, following a win in China and a second-place finish in Australia. His teammate George Russell is second with 63 points, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc holds third place with 49 points. In the constructors' championship, Mercedes leads with 135 points, followed by Ferrari with 90.
The potential reinstatement of a Bahrain or Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2026 could signal a renewed commitment to racing in regions previously affected by security issues. Such a move would also support the continued development of motorsport in these nations, which have invested heavily in attracting a global audience.
Ongoing geopolitical developments in the Middle East remain a critical consideration for organizers, meaning any final decision to include the races will be contingent upon a thorough security assessment closer to the event dates.
As Formula 1 explores the possibility of reinstating the Bahrain or Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, it's worth noting that other racing series, such as F2, have had to adapt their calendars due to similar regional challenges. For instance, F2 has moved its races from Bahrain to Miami and Montreal, reflecting the ongoing impact of regional conflicts on motorsport events. To learn more about these adjustments in the racing calendar, you can read about the F2 changes here.