Formula 1 calendar set for major shuffle as war resumes in the Middle East

Formula 1 is facing a major 2026 calendar reshuffle as renewed fighting between the United States and Iran has placed the Qatar Grand Prix (27-29 November at Lusail) and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (4-6 December at Yas Marina) under serious threat. The escalation follows earlier conflict that forced F1 to abandon its original April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with the Bahrain Grand Prix relocated to Sepang, Malaysia on 2-4 October as a workaround. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali stated after the Hungarian Grand Prix that both Middle Eastern races remain on the calendar, but a key decision point is expected by mid-September as the security situation has deteriorated sharply.