Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali has confirmed the sport's leadership is working to restore one of two canceled races to the 2026 calendar. The races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, both originally scheduled for April, were scrapped earlier this season due to conflict in the Middle East.
Domenicali stated that safety remains the top priority. "Safety first of course," he said, while expressing optimism that a return to the region could be possible in 2026 as geopolitical conditions evolve.
The canceled events leave two gaps in the 2026 schedule that F1 hopes to fill. The sport's bosses are now evaluating which venue could be ready to host again, with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia having modern facilities and strong fan bases.
No definitive timeline has been set for a decision. F1 officials continue to monitor regional stability and will consult with local authorities before finalizing any return.
"We are hoping to restore one of them," Domenicali added, though he did not specify which race is closer to returning. The confirmation comes as F1 pushes to expand its global footprint while navigating complex security challenges.