Formula One is likely to shrink its 2026 calendar to 22 rounds as conflict in the Middle East threatens to cancel the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix.
Multiple senior paddock sources told Reuters that if the April races are scrapped due to regional instability, including missile strikes on Manama and closed international airports, they will not be replaced.
Short notice makes shifting the series to backup venues like Imola or Portimao a “major challenge.”
Also, high summer temperatures in the Gulf prevent moving the races to later in the year.
Formula 2 teams expect an official cancellation of their Bahrain test and race as early as this weekend.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem have emphasized that “safety comes first.”
While the loss of these high-revenue races impacts the bottom line, a 22-race season still meets all commercial obligations.
A final decision is expected following meetings between F1 bosses and team principals in Melbourne this Saturday.
