The Israeli-led, US-backed strikes on Iran, invasion of Lebanon, and the retaliatory strikes across the wider region, has caused chaos in the Gulf. Bahrain and Qatar have both suffered missile attacks for a war they didn’t start.
The important thing right now is to call for restraint, calm, a de-escalation, and a quick end to the war. Nobody gains from this action and there is a lot to lose.
Some have called motorsport ‘war by other means’, a peaceful way to advance technology and demonstrate your prowess by doing so on the racetrack. Let us hope for a day when that is where it stays.
For the immediate term, as a blog about motorsport and race calendars, let’s look at the impact on the racing world.
Bahrain and Qatar were scheduled to host motor racing events in the next two months, along with Saudi Arabia. Add in the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and we may see other events at risk later in the year.
One site attacked was just 7km from Bahrain International Airport, the only realistic way of reaching Bahrain International Circuit from abroad, and barely a 30-40 minute drive from the circuit. In Qatar, Lusail International Circuit is in close proximity to Doha. And we’ve all seen the missiles intercepted over Dubai in the UAE.
And with the Saudi Arabian GP also due up soon, although I’ve not seen reporting of attacks on the country, we must remember the Grand Prix itself was threatened in 2022 by Yemen’s Houthi rebels and is therefore also at a serious security risk right now. Nothing can be considered off the table.
I have had a lot of thoughts about all of this but I think it is best to save those for another time and focus on what the racing world needs to do next, while we all hope for a return to calmer times.
International air travel
A significant amount of international air travel these days is routed through the region. This will have a knock-on effect to global business and will include the travel plans for the majority of the race series that travel the world. Many Grands Prix and race teams are sponsored by Gulf-based airlines. Travel to Australia, China and Japan for many team personnel will include stops offs in Dubai or Doha.
You can imagine some frantic changes going on already, big logistical challenges for staff and freight, not to mention the cost increase. These are not insurmountable in this day and age but it’s a burden they don’t need. Not just F1 operations with hundreds of staff flying out, but also something like a small GT team running to a tight budget.
Events At Risk
In the immediate term there are four events to think about in March and April. There is then a gap before major international racing is scheduled to return in November. It is good the Asian Le Mans Series, FR Middle East, UAE F4, etc. all completed their seasons in February.
I will update this page over the next couple of weeks as news comes out.
March & April
- 22 March | FIA WEC | Prologue, Qatar – TBC;
- 28 March | FIA WEC | Qatar 1812km – Postponed;
Qatar 1812km postponed (DSC 03/03/26)
Race postponed to ‘second half of season’. If things calm by mid-summer I would expect this race to be rescheduled to late October, there is a gap in the schedule, and the Bahrain race is in November.
If tensions are still high by September, I anticipate Qatar and Bahrain will be cancelled and WEC may attempt to run one race somewhere else in replacement.
Most WEC kit is already in Qatar ahead of the Prologue test, which will not go ahead. It will be a struggle to get everything back just to race at Imola in April, never mind find time for another test. With the Straight of Hormuz a no-go, sea shipping may be out, it might have to be air freighted. My guess is they will try to run extra practice sessions ahead of the Imola race, or if they do get all the gear back, they might join the ELMS Prologue at Barcelona in April.
- 12 April | MotoGP | Qatar Grand Prix – TBC;
Carlos Ezpeleta says they have been talking with Qatar/Lusail and while it is unlikely they will go, they can’t it rule out just yet. (Motorsport.com 04/03/26)
- 12 April | F1 | Bahrain Grand Prix – TBC;
- 19 April | F1 | Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – TBC;
As of the time of writing there is no news on F1’s plans.
Also worth noting that Formula 2 and Formula 3 are scheduled to go from Melbourne to their next race in Bahrain. Decisions need to be taken on this.
Later in the year
Motorsport returns to the Gulf region at the end of the year. I’m expecting we won’t hear decisions about these until August/September at the earliest.
- 14 November | FIA WEC | 8H Bahrain – TBC;
- 29 November | F1 | Qatar Grand Prix – TBC;
- 6 December | F1 | Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – TBC;
Let us hope the situation has calmed by then and that cooler heads have prevailed.
There are only losers from this conflict, there are no winners.
I Watch Too Much Racing 