Whether the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran blooms into a full-blown war, the Formula 1 season could be impacted with early races on the schedule, travel, and tire testing.
The conflict, which has seen Israel and the U.S. proactively strike Iran over nuclear capability concerns, with Iran retaliating, has created danger throughout much of the Middle East. Iran has launched dozens of missiles not only into Israel, but also into other countries in the region where the U.S. has military bases.
Next week, the first race of the 2026 Formula 1 schedule takes place in Melbourne, Australia. With the conflict in its first day, and expected to last much longer, F1 is “closely monitoring” the situation.
Already, teams are adjusting travel arrangements and rerouting where flight paths cross near the conflict, which has the capacity to turn into a wide-ranging war should other countries in the region be pulled into it.
Of key concern are rounds four and five on the Formula 1 calendar, which are in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia on April 12th and 19th. After the initial attack on Tehran and counterattacks into Israel, Iran launched additional attacks as missiles were fired in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.
A F1 spokesperson said: “Our next three races are in Australia, China and Japan and not in the Middle East — those races are not for a number of weeks.
“As always, we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities.”
Pirelli, the tire supplier for Formula 1, has cancelled its scheduled tire testing in Bahrain due to the conflict.
With the conflict between the U.S., and Isreal with Iran sees military bases throughout the Middle East targeted, two upcoming races on the Formula 1 calendar could be in jeopardy. (Photo by Mark Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Formula 1 via Getty Images