F1 Eyes October Slot for Bahrain GP in 2026 Calendar Talks

TL;DR: Formula 1 could regain roughly $200 million in yearly revenue and $80 million in EBITDA by reinstating the Bahrain Grand Prix for the 2026 season, with talks underway to place the race on October 4 between Azerbaijan and Singapore.

Context: Bahrain and Jeddah were removed from the 2024 calendar after the escalation of the Iran conflict disrupted Middle Eastern events. The cancellations have cost the series significant income, according to a Guggenheim Partners note that estimated $200 million in lost annual revenue and $80 million in lost EBITDA. In 2025, Formula 1 generated $3.9 billion in total revenue and $632 million in operating income.

Key Facts: The FIA, Liberty Media and all 11 Formula 1 teams are in talks to reinstate the Bahrain Grand Prix on the 2026 calendar. If agreed, the race would be held on October 4, positioned between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 26 and the Singapore Grand Prix on October 11. Guggenheim Partners estimates the cancellations have cost Formula 1 about $200 million in yearly revenue and $80 million in EBITDA.

What It Means: Returning Bahrain to the schedule could recover a substantial portion of the lost revenue, with the promoter fee for the event estimated at over $50 million. The proposed October slot would maintain a logical flow in the Asian leg of the season and avoid clashes with existing races. Discussions also include contingency plans for the season‑ending Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, though no decisions have been made. The outcome will depend on security assessments and the evolving geopolitical situation in the region.

What to watch next: Whether the FIA, Liberty Media and the teams finalize the October 4 date for Bahrain and how any revised calendar affects the planned Qatar and Abu Dhabi events.