Could Bahrain or Saudi Arabia return? F1 leadership explores mid-season schedule shifts

Silverstone: Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali has expressed optimism regarding the potential restoration of a previously cancelled race to the 2026 calendar. In a recent exclusive report by Sky Sports, it was confirmed that the sport’s leadership is actively exploring the feasibility of reintroducing one of the two events that were removed from the schedule earlier this year.

The 2026 season faced significant disruption in March when Formula 1, in consultation with the FIA, announced that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix would not take place as planned in April. The decision was reached following careful evaluation of the ongoing security situation in the Middle East, with both the FIA and F1 prioritising the safety and well-being of their community and personnel.

At the time of the cancellation, Stefano Domenicali stated that the decision, while difficult, was necessary given the prevailing circumstances. Both race promoters in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia publicly expressed their support for the decision to cancel the events.

In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports F1 during this weekend's British Grand Prix, Domenicali stated, "If there is an opportunity to announce something related to exploring possibilities that haven't been addressed so far, we will do it at the right moment and under the right conditions.

"That is truly our hope. If all the conditions align, we will move forward with our plan. If there's a chance, why not take it?"

However, recent reports suggest the calendar remains in a state of flux. While the initial cancellation was intended as a measure to avoid logistical risks and safety concerns, there is growing speculation regarding the return of at least one event. According to Crash.net, a potential, although unconfirmed, slot for the return of the Bahrain Grand Prix is October 4, which sits between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix.

While Formula 1 remains committed to exploring these options, the primary challenge remains the complex logistical and insurance requirements for teams and freight. As F1 works to navigate these hurdles, team principals have expressed their continued confidence in the sport’s leadership to make the correct decisions regarding the remaining schedule. McLaren’s Zak Brown noted, "We’ll race where they tell us we’re racing," underscoring the trust stakeholders have in the ongoing evaluations conducted by the FIA and FOM.

As the season progresses, the paddock's attention sharpens on the iconic Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix. Serving as the ninth round of the championship, this weekend features the high-stakes sprint format, injecting immediate intensity into the historic venue. The initial on-track action has already delivered fierce battles, with championship leader Kimi Antonelli claiming a milestone victory in the Silverstone Sprint. Antonelli executed a decisive mid-race overtake on Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, who secured a strong second place ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris. Building on that momentum, Antonelli further asserted his dominance by securing pole position for Sunday's main event. He edges out a surging front-row challenger in Charles Leclerc, while Hamilton lurks closely behind in third.