Formula 1 monitoring Middle East situation as WEC decision looms

Formula 1 says it continues to monitor developments in the Iran war when it comes to its potential impact on the 2026 season, as the World Endurance Championship (WEC) considers changes to its race calendar.

The F1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were postponed in April as a result of the conflict, with RACER understanding that plans were then put in place to reinstate one of the races at a later date in the season. The most viable date that did not involve moving other events is the first weekend of October, creating a triple header of races that would begin in Azerbaijan and end in Singapore.

For that date, a final decision would be required ahead of F1's August shutdown. However, with a ceasefire having been followed by both the United States and Iran trading strikes in recent weeks – including Iran targeting military facilities in Bahrain – there is growing uncertainty over whether reinstating a race in the region in under three months’ time can happen.

Later in the year, F1 is due to end with a pair of races in the region, with the Qatar and Abu Dhabi events forming a triple-header with Las Vegas. The race in Qatar is scheduled for November 29, and Abu Dhabi for December 6, with an F1 spokesperson saying “we continue to monitor and assess the situation”.

Focus on F1’s calendar has increased following WEC putting a contingency plan in place that could lead to its rescheduled races in Qatar and Bahrain, on October 25 and November 7 respectively, replaced by European-based rounds in Barcelona and Monza.

As reported by RACER on Monday, the plan was presented to teams during the 6 Hours of São Paulo weekend, but is not yet finalized and would need ratification from the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC).