- Formula 1's Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix races, originally scheduled for April, were removed from the 2026 calendar due to ongoing conflict in the Gulf region.
- Executives from Liberty Media and the FIA are “continuously evaluating” the possibility of reinstating one or two of these Middle Eastern races later in the season, depending on the conflict's resolution.
- FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasised that security and safety are paramount, stating that human lives take precedence over motorsport and that races would not proceed if the conflict continues into late autumn.
- Rescheduling faces significant challenges due to an already congested end-of-season calendar, with potential slots between the Azerbaijan and Singapore GPs, or within the concluding triple-header, posing logistical and athlete welfare concerns, including extreme heat.
- While F1 stands to lose an estimated £100 million in hosting fees, the sport is financially robust, and alternative options like Turkey's Istanbul Park are being considered as a potential replacement if the Middle East situation remains unresolved.
IN FULL
Four races in a row? Key details revealed as F1 eyes Bahrain or Saudi ‘reschedule’
