The 2026 Formula 1 calendar has become even more complicated. The renewed hostilities between Iran and the United States have made it impossible to identify a suitable window to complete this season’s schedule.
The championship was originally set to feature 24 Grands Prix, but following the outbreak of the Gulf conflict involving the United States and Israel on January 28, both the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix were removed from the calendar.
Formula 1 had planned to officially announce the return of the Bahrain Grand Prix next weekend, with the race expected to be held between the Singapore Grand Prix and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. However, overnight the United States intensified its air raids against Iran “to weaken its ability to attack ships in the Strait.” Tehran responded by striking American military bases in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait, forcing Formula 1 to once again remove the Sakhir round from the schedule.
Behind the scenes, intensive work is now underway to reshape the calendar in light of the rapidly evolving military situation. Over the past few days, every possible alternative has been discussed to fill the gap left by the Bahrain Grand Prix.
It is fair to ask why Turkey is no longer being mentioned, despite previously offering to serve as the first reserve venue. The reality is that the Intercity Istanbul Park circuit requires a series of upgrade works, including changes to the kerbs and track safety barriers. Those improvements could only be carried out with direct government support from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Although the teams are reluctant to hold two Grands Prix at the same venue, it is no secret that both the competitors and Liberty Media need a calendar featuring at least 22 races. Falling below that number could expose the teams to penalties linked to sponsorship agreements, while Formula 1’s commercial rights holder must also meet contractual obligations with television broadcasters that purchased media rights based on a minimum number of Grands Prix.
The current geopolitical instability is also raising concerns about the final phase of the Formula 1 season. While there is still hope that a genuine peace agreement can be reached before then, both the Qatar Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remain on the calendar despite increasing uncertainty surrounding their scheduled dates of November 29 and December 6.
There has also been speculation about bringing Portimão back onto the schedule, although the Portuguese circuit would also require some upgrades, while Imola has likewise been mentioned as a possible replacement. At the moment, however, neither European venue appears to be a realistic solution.
After the Madring Grand Prix, Formula 1 leaves Europe, and teams traditionally use that period to transport their race trucks back to base, overhaul or upgrade their hospitality units, and carry out maintenance work on their engineering race bases. Reintroducing one or even two European races at that stage of the season would therefore create significant logistical challenges.
A deadline will eventually have to be set for deciding how the championship will conclude. Within the paddock, the expectation is that a final decision will be made no later than the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, which marks Formula 1’s return following the summer break.
The uncertainty is not affecting only Formula 1. The junior support categories, including Formula 2 and Formula 3, are also facing major scheduling difficulties as they depend heavily on the F1 calendar.
In short, the situation remains extremely complex and far from settled. The coming days are expected to be crucial as Formula 1 works to find the first concrete answers regarding the remainder of the 2026 season.
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