The conflict in the Middle-East between Israel and United States against Iran is affecting the world of sports, with matches cancelled and athletes unable to leave countries due to the closed airspace, but it is specially being felt in motorsports, particularly in Formula 1. The 2026 season will begin next weekend in Australia, and most teams travelling from Europe will have to find alternate flight routes, although there's no signs that the Grand Prix is at risk.
The real challenge will come next month, when two races are scheduled in Bahrain (April 12) and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (April 19). A decision has not been made yet about rescheduling these races, but so far, after three days of active conflict and airstrikes, including missiles hitting the US embassy in Riyadh, pressure is mounting to make a decision, one that could have severe financial implications if the Middle-Eastern countries are left out of the Formula 1 season.
Some of the biggest investors in Formula 1 are from the Middle-East, with Bahrain sovereign wealth fund owning McLaren Racing, Qatar investing in the Audi F1 team, and Saudi energy company Aramco, which was hit by Iranian strikes, sponsor of Aston Martin F1 team.
FIA and F1 "closely monitoring the situation", but still no decision
"We are in close contact with our member clubs, championship promoters, teams, and colleagues on the ground as we monitor developments carefully and responsibly", said the emirati Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of FIA (via Reuters). "Safety and wellbeing will guide our decisions as we assess the forthcoming events scheduled there for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the FIA Formula One world championship." F1 management only said that they are monitoring the situation.
It's been reported in the last hours that the Imola circuit in Italy and Portimao in Portugal could be used as alternatives for Bahrain and Saudi Arabia for the Grand Prix in April, at least according to El Partidazo. A decision has not been made, but it's been reported that a decision shouldn't be taken at the last minute due to the high cost and complicated logistic of preparing a F1 race.