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Bahrain and Saudi Arabia remain on the F1 calendar for 2026, but the status of both events is still in question. With time running out, F1 needs to decide soon if those races will go ahead as planned.
This year’s season begins with the Australian Grand Prix returning as the opening race, followed by a trip to China before teams head to Suzuka. But before then, a decision is expected on whether Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will remain part of the schedule.
There has been talk about Japan potentially hosting back-to-back races, which would put extra pressure on Aston Martin and Honda if their underperforming power units have to go through two races in front of local fans.
What happens to F1 if Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix don’t go ahead?
Adam Williams weighed in on the issue, saying: “F1 and the event organisers will be covered for this eventuality to an extent, I’d have thought. There was a lot of debate about what was and wasn’t covered in insurance agreements when the pandemic hit, so it’s a nuanced question.
“Many agreements have a ‘war exclusion’ clause, but I’d expect that, given their geography, the organisers of the Bahrain and Jeddah races would have seen this as a material risk, so would have paid for war cover. Without seeing the contracts, we can’t say for sure, however. Either way, even if they do have cover, you’re going to get back some of the money you’d have made in revenue if the race had gone ahead, but not all of it.
“And matters are complicated by the commercial structure of Formula 1 – there could be different layers of loss and insurance at the local level, for broadcasters and sponsors, and for F1 itself. Also, would F1 cancel the races altogether, replace them or suspend them? That’s another factor.
“There is something of a precedent in the 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix being cancelled because of the Arab Spring… but that was resolved commercially and politically rather than through insurers,” Williams continued.
“I appreciate there are a lot of ifs and buts there… Clearly though safety has to be first – not just fans or drivers either.”
Other venues in Europe like Imola and Portimao are also being discussed as alternatives.
Formula 1 nearing deadline for decision on Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races
With practice in Bahrain set to begin on 10 April, the clock is ticking. Teams face a tight timeline, not only to prepare for the event but also to manage the complex logistics that come with a global racing calendar.
Freight schedules and travel plans don’t leave much room for uncertainty. According to a report from BBC Sport, teams may have to start sending equipment immediately after the Chinese Grand Prix if no decision has been made by then.
Both circuits are believed to pay over £75 million each in hosting fees, which includes support races like Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy.
The chances of finding replacements on short notice seem slim. Organising a Grand Prix involves ticket sales, local planning and a massive logistical effort that can’t be arranged overnight.
Adding to that, the same report downplays the idea of back-to-back races at Suzuka, suggesting there’s ‘little benefit’ compared to the strain it would put on teams and staff.
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