F1 Calendar Likely Cuts Two Middle East Races as Security Doubts Grow
Two rounds are at risk of being removed from the F1 Calendar, potentially shortening the season and leaving teams scrambling over logistics and lost income. 10: 30 a. m. ET — the US-Israel war with Iran has prompted missile strikes on Gulf states, a development that has put the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix in doubt.
Immediate logistical and schedule consequences for Bahrain and Saudi Arabia
If the two races do not take place the season would shrink to 22 grands prix, and the fees paid by the two oil-rich countries add up to well over $100 million that would not be paid if the events are cancelled. Bahrain is due to host the fourth race of the season from April 10-12, with Saudi Arabia’s event in Jeddah a week later on April 17-19; cancelling those dates would leave a notable gap in the calendar.
F1 Calendar faces transport deadlines and lacks realistic replacement options
Organizers have no more than two weeks before they must decide whether equipment can be transported by sea to the Gulf, a constraint that makes quick rerouting extremely difficult. Suggestions such as Portimao in Portugal, Imola in Italy or Istanbul in Turkey have been mentioned but are judged unrealistic because there would not be enough time to organise an event, sell tickets and prepare circuits.
Security threats documented: Manama base, Juffair and Jeddah proximity
Missiles launched by Iran have struck hotels and civilian and energy infrastructure and targeted American bases in the Gulf states. The US naval base in Manama has already been hit; that base sits in the Juffair area, one of the parts of the city where F1 personnel stay. The Saudi Arabian race is staged near an oil refinery that was targeted by a missile attack by Houthi rebels four years ago.
Still, F1 has said its next three races are in Australia, China and Japan and are not in the Middle East, and those events remain weeks away. A statement from F1 noted that the sport closely monitors situations like this, works with relevant authorities and will always prioritise the safety and security of all those in the sport.
That said, the loss of the two Gulf rounds would be felt immediately: logistical bookings for freight, local staffing and hospitality tied to the April dates would be disrupted, and the likelihood of finding replacement venues on short notice is minimal.
Next confirmed event: a decision on whether to cancel the Bahrain and Saudi rounds must be made by March 20 at the latest. If the war is still ongoing at that decision deadline, there seems little prospect the races can happen.
