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Formula 1 Sets Summer Deadline to Reschedule Middle East Races
Formula 1 aims to decide before the summer break whether one of the postponed Middle East races can return to the calendar, amid ongoing regional tensions.
By Sanne Vermeer - 2026-07-05T08:49:16.000Z - 1 min read
Earlier this year, the Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were postponed in direct response to ongoing conflict in the region. The decision, taken in March, followed escalating tensions triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Despite the initial disruption, organizers still intend to bring at least one of these events back. The goal is to reinstate either the Bahrain or Saudi Arabian race on the crowded race calendar.
A final decision must be made before the traditional summer break begins. Formula 1 has set this timeframe as the deadline for a resolution, with continued regional hostilities complicating the situation.
Developments on the ground force Formula 1 to exercise caution and draft multiple scenarios. Contingency plans are already being considered even for the season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi scheduled for later this year.