The escalation of tensions in the Middle East amid the ongoing war between the United States, Israel and Iran has not only impacted the global oil economy, its effects are now also affecting the world of sports.
Formula 1 is expected to cancel its scheduled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to security concerns.
In retaliation for joint US-Israeli military strikes, Iran launched several missile strikes on US military bases in Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
According to ESPNthe race in Bahrain was scheduled for April 12 and the race in Saudi Arabia was scheduled for April 19.
Although it is unclear whether fighting will continue into April, a decision will be necessary soon due to logistical constraints.
Due to an already busy schedule, canceled races are unlikely to be replaced. This would reduce the 2026 calendar from 24 to 22 races.
The development would also add a five-week break between the third round of the new season in Japan on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
Earlier, seven-time world champion and Scuderia Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton expressed his confidence in the organization, saying: “F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali will do what is right for all of us and for the sport.”
