Talks underway to potentially reinstate the Sakhir race
Formula 1 is actively evaluating the possible return of the Bahrain Grand Prix to the 2026 season calendar. The race, which had originally been scheduled for April, was cancelled following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East linked to Iran. Ongoing discussions involve the FIA, Liberty Media, and all 11 teams competing in the championship. At this stage, no final decision has been made, but the most concrete scenario under consideration would see the race rescheduled for early October, specifically on the 4th.
Calendar positioning
According to the latest reports, the Bahrain Grand Prix would be placed between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 26 and the Singapore Grand Prix on October 11. Such positioning would ensure a smooth logistical transition between the European and Asian rounds, without significantly disrupting the overall structure of the season. The championship is currently on a break following the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29, with the next round set to take place in Miami on May 3.
The Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah had originally been scheduled for April. Both events were removed from the calendar due to United States and Israeli military strikes against Iran in February, which created significant instability across the region. For safety reasons, Formula 1 decided to cancel both Middle Eastern races, without initially planning direct replacements.
Contingency plans for the season finale
Discussions surrounding the calendar also include contingency plans for the final races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, although no precise decisions have yet been finalized. There have been rumors suggesting a possible return to Jeddah after Abu Dhabi, but such scenarios are widely considered highly unlikely due to logistical challenges and the FIA Prize Giving Ceremony scheduled to take place in Shanghai on December 12.
Future outlook
The FIA and Liberty Media have declined to officially comment on the reports, which originate from anonymous sources close to the ongoing discussions. The fact that Formula 1 is seriously considering a return to Bahrain highlights the strategic importance of the Middle East for the championship, both from a commercial perspective and in maintaining calendar continuity.
If confirmed, the Bahrain Grand Prix would return in a more favorable time window within the season. However, uncertainty surrounding the geopolitical situation remains high, and any final decision will depend on developments regarding the ceasefire and on the safety assessments shared among all stakeholders involved.
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