Formula 1 races in the Middle East will not be replaced if cancelled due to war in Iran
Updated . First published
Formula 1 has reportedly decided that if the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia grands prix are cancelled due to the ongoing fighting in the Middle East, neither race will be replaced.
While the season-opener in Melbourne is proceeding as planned, there remains significant doubt over the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix, scheduled for April 13 and 20 (AEDT).
This is due to the ongoing war in Iran, and the United States and Israeli action in the region.
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Oscar Piastri won both races in the Middle East in 2025. AP
US president Donald Trump's indication that military operations against Iran could last another four to five weeks has raised significant operational and logistical hurdles for F1 and the FIA.
So while much of the concern for Melbourne was logistical, the concern for the Middle-Eastern double header is very much safety-based. Pirelli cancelled a planned tyre test in Bahrain scheduled for late last week because of the security situation.
Industry insiders suggested that if the Middle Eastern rounds are deemed unviable, reserve circuits such as Imola, Portimao, or Istanbul Park, could have serve as replacements at short notice.
However, it has been deemed too logistically challenging to prepare the circuits in time, with Formula 1 declaring that the races will not be replaced if cancelled, according to Sky Sports.
The report indicates a decision will be made on the two races by March 20.
If one or both are cancelled, they will not be replaced. This would leave a five-week gap in the F1 calendar, between Suzuka, Japan on March 29 and Miami, US on May 3.
This would also see the the season reduced from 24 to 22 rounds.
Oscar Piastri took the lead in a bold move off the start at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Getty
"First of all, our approach first of all is safety for all of the relevant stakeholders, people and the promoter itself," F1 president Stefano Domenicali told Sky Sports F1.
"We don't want to do any statement today because things are evolving and we still have time to make the right decision. This decision will be taken together.
"So far, we want to keep quiet and calm and make sure we have the right time to make the right decision - as we did in the past."
With ongoing aerial operations and restricted airspace over major transit hubs in the Gulf — including the UAE and Qatar — officials are closely monitoring the region's stability.
The situation is further complicated by "Do Not Travel" alerts issued by the Australian government and other nations for Bahrain, alongside warnings to "reconsider the need to travel" to Saudi Arabia.
While neither race has been officially cancelled yet, the FIA and Formula One Management (FOM) maintain they are working with relevant authorities to assess the viability of the April races.
"Our next three races are in Australia, China and Japan, not in the Middle East - those races are not for a number of weeks. As always, we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities," FOM said in a statement last week.
However, if logistical bottlenecks or insurance complexities prove insurmountable, the FIA may be forced to proceed with a shortened season, resulting in fewer grands prix this season.
