Bahrain GP replacements emerge as Middle East conflict plunges F1 season into chaos
Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, concerns have arisen over F1 events in the region ahead of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix races.
On Saturday (28 February), the US and Israel carried out a joint military operation against Iran after months of tensions, which resulted in the nation’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, being killed in Tehran.
Iran responded by firing missiles and drones towards several nations within the region, including Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Cyprus.
Israel has also targeted the Iranian-backed Shia group Hezbollah in Lebanon after the group announced it had launched rockets and drones towards the Israeli city of Haifa on Monday (2 March).
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The conflict has caused major travel disruption in the region, with the Middle East serving as a major travel route between Europe and Asia, as well as Australia, where the 2026 F1 season is set to get underway later this week.
As reported by BBC Sport, 1,000 members of staff were forced to rearrange flights, with 500 flown from Europe on charter flights.
Organisers have maintained that they are confident that the season’s opener in Melbourne will go ahead, while also stating that they are “closely monitoring” the situation ahead of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races, which are both set to take place in April.
The Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled for 12 April, while the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will get underway a week later on 19 April.
A US base is around a 30-minute drive from the Bahrain International Circuit, which may be considered a security risk given Iran has targeted several US bases in the region since the start of the conflict.
For now, both races are set to take place as planned, with a contingency plan reportedly in place.
According to Planet F1, the Imola circuit is regarded as the primary reserve circuit due to it being logistically easy for teams to move equipment and travel at short notice should the Bahrain or Saudi races be cancelled amid the ongoing conflict.
Imola lost its race status in 2006 but hosted a race in 2020 on a one-off basis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The outlet also reports that Italy’s Mugello may also step in if the upcoming Middle East races are moved.
Istanbul Park in Turkey, Portimão in Portugal, Nürburgring and Hockenheim in Germany, as well as Japan’s Fuji Speedway, may also be considered as stand-in venues.
Topics: Formula 1
Luke Davies