The Bahrain Grand Prix could make a return to the 2026 Formula 1 calendar. Although no official confirmation or report has been released, multiple sources indicate that F1 and the FIA are actively working to reinstate at least one of the two races originally slated for Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
The most discussed proposal is to slot the Bahrain Grand Prix into the calendar from October 2 to 4, filling the gap between the Azerbaijan and Singapore rounds. From a logistics perspective, Bahrain is the FIA’s preferred choice because testing materials and equipment for the originally scheduled April race remain in the country, making a restart cost-effective.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is lobbying hard to secure a late-season spot. Some proposals suggest adding a Saudi Grand Prix between Qatar and Abu Dhabi, creating an unprecedented “quadruple-header” of races in Las Vegas, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi.
However, such a move would trigger a series of consequences. First, it would severely test the physical and mental endurance of team personnel—adding a four-race stretch at an already grueling end of the season would push drivers and crews to their breaking point.
Second, contractual obligations require Abu Dhabi to remain the season finale. If Saudi Arabia is added, the Abu Dhabi race could be postponed to December 13, conflicting with the FIA Prize Giving Ceremony scheduled for December 12 in Shanghai. This would also disrupt travel plans for fans who have already booked flights and hotels. Given these obstacles, the feasibility of this plan remains low, and both the FIA and Liberty Media have declined to comment.
Of course, the economic pressure driving F1’s push to revive these races is undeniable. Estimates suggest that the cancellation of the two events could cost F1 around $200 million in revenue. Although the hosting fees for both races—totaling approximately £100 million ($135 million)—have already been paid in advance, Liberty Media finds this situation unacceptable.
It is also possible that the situation in the Middle East could worsen. In the worst-case scenario, even the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds scheduled for late in the season could face cancellation, reducing the 2026 campaign to just 20 races and ending the season early in Las Vegas. A final decision on the calendar adjustments is not expected until mid-August, and updates will continue to be monitored.
