Bahrain Grand Prix may return to 2026 F1 calendar

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, scheduled for April 2026, were cancelled after the outbreak of war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, creating a five‑week gap in the season and reducing the calendar from 24 to 22 races. Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali said the series is working to restore at least one of the two events, with Bahrain favoured. A slot in early October – the weekend between the Azerbaijan and Singapore races – has been identified, which would raise the season to 23 races and create an additional triple‑header. The decision must be taken before the summer break that follows the Hungarian Grand Prix in late July, to allow logistical preparations. The organisation also has contingency plans: the Portimão circuit in Portugal could replace the season‑final races in Qatar or Abu Dhabi if security conditions deteriorate, with a final decision expected by mid‑September.