Malaysia steps in as F1 scrambles to replace cancelled Gulf races

Sporting events have become collateral damage from the ongoing hostilities surrounding Iran and the Persian Gulf region. Formula 1, which has established a strong presence across Gulf countries in recent years, has been forced to cancel its scheduled 2026 Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, creating major logistical challenges and significant financial losses for the sport.

Formula 1 fans received a glimmer of hope when organizers confirmed that one of the cancelled races would be replaced by Malaysia. While the move helps restore part of the calendar, the financial impact of losing key Middle Eastern events remains substantial, as an article by Forbes magazine highlights.

The logistical challenges extend beyond simply relocating races. As some events had been cancelled entirely, reducing the original 2026 Formula 1 calendar from 24 races to 22 before Malaysia’s return brought the total back up to 23.

No final decision has been announced regarding the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prixes, which are scheduled to take place at the end of the season. As uncertainty continues, the likelihood of the races serving as the season finale is declining. 

Formula 1’s commercial rights holder, Formula One Management (FOM), continues to explore alternatives, with Portugal’s Portimão circuit considered the most likely replacement for at least one of the affected races.

Italy’s Imola circuit, a historic venue closely associated with Ferrari, is also being considered as a potential replacement finale if the remaining Middle Eastern races cannot proceed, according to sources who provided information during this weekend’s race in Hungary.

Azerbaijan’s Baku City Circuit had been among the options to replace the Bahrain Grand Prix, although Malaysia’s inclusion on the revised calendar is potentially removing that possibility.

Financial impact grows

Each Formula 1 race generates millions in revenue, and the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix is expected to have a significant financial impact on the championship.

A financial report cited by Forbes estimated that the two cancelled events could result in approximately $190–200 million in lost revenue and around $80 million in lost EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation).

Beyond lost race income, teams have faced additional costs linked to travel disruptions caused by the regional conflict. Formula 1’s 11 teams rely on hundreds of personnel travelling between races, many of whom would normally use major regional aviation hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.

Those airports were temporarily affected following the initial wave of Iranian missile attacks, creating further complications for teams attempting to move equipment and staff around the world. Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest aviation hubs globally, was among the key facilities affected.

The full financial consequences of the disruption will not become clear until Liberty Media Corporation, a US company that owns Formula 1’s commercial rights, publishes its quarterly financial results later this year.

Until then, Formula 1 continues to navigate one of the most challenging calendar disruptions in its modern history, balancing sporting commitments with the wider geopolitical instability affecting the region.

By Nazrin Sadigova