Race Organizers Fighting To Host Saudi Arabian GP Amid Middle East Tensions - Report

Last Updated:March 10, 2026, 19:16 IST

Discussions on the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs continue, with cancellations likely, due to the Middle East crisis.

The futures of the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix are under serious doubt as escalating tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt travel and logistics across the region.

But, according to a report from RacingNews365, race organisers in Jeddah are reportedly lobbying hard to keep their event on the calendar.

Officials within Formula One are reportedly closely monitoring the situation after military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran triggered retaliatory missile launches across the Gulf — a conflict that has already begun impacting motorsport operations.

Missile strikes have also reportedly targeted locations across the Gulf, including Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.

Heavy flight disruption across the region, including incidents involving Dubai International Airport, has further complicated travel arrangements for teams and freight.

Key Deadline Approaching

The Bahrain race is currently scheduled for April 10–12 at Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, with the Saudi Arabian round taking place the following weekend at Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

However, a decision on whether the races can go ahead must be made soon due to the logistical demands of transporting F1 equipment and personnel to the region.

Multiple outlets have indicated that outright cancellation is more likely than postponement if the security situation fails to stabilise.

Saudi Arabia Pushing to Keep Its Race

Despite the continued efforts of the race organisers in Jeddah,  the report says the fate of the Saudi Arabian race is closely tied to Bahrain’s.

If one of the two events is cancelled, both races are likely to be called off, presenting a difficult decision for the championship.

Should both races be scrapped, the 2026 championship calendar would drop from 24 to 22 races, with no replacement events expected.

That scenario would leave April without any Formula One races.

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