2026 Formula One Season Thread

[Apple fanboy]

No mention of this yet and without going into the reasons, could Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar be under threat for this season? Sort of hoping two of those disappear from the calendar, but it’s quite a quandary for organisers so close to the start of the season.

I think it’s too early to say how things will develop, but yes it could be a challenge.
My boss is currently in Isreal with no hope of getting a flight home anytime soon.

 

[CWallace]

No mention of this yet and without going into the reasons, could Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar be under threat for this season? Sort of hoping two of those disappear from the calendar, but it’s quite a quandary for organisers so close to the start of the season.

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia might be at risk, depending on how long combat operations run. The US and Israel are focusing on Iran's offensive infrastructure, including launchers, supply depots and factories. Depending on how quickly and how effective they are at degrading them, by early April Iran might not be able to strike at the tracks (and I would expect both countries to have anti-air assets in place to defend the tracks if combat operations were still ongoing).

 

[Glideslope]

No mention of this yet and without going into the reasons, could Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar be under threat for this season? Sort of hoping two of those disappear from the calendar, but it’s quite a quandary for organisers so close to the start of the season.

All I’m seeing today is concerns over travel to Australia on certain routes. Allot depends on the next week. I’m concerned. There’s allot of movement still underway. I see EK resumed flights out of DXB this morning. That’s a positive development.

 

[CWallace]

All I’m seeing today is concerns over travel to Australia on certain routes. Allot depends on the next week. I’m concerned. There’s allot of movement still underway. I see EK resumed flights out of DXB this morning. That’s a positive development.

Dubai and Doha are the primary gateway between the EU and Australia thanks to the dominance of Emirates and Qatar Airways on the route, but they are not the only options.

Singapore Airlines flies EU to Australia via their hub at SIN and I believe at least one Qantas flight uses SIN, as well. There is also Qantas' non-stop from London to Perth, from where they can then connect domestically to get them to Melbourne.

And worst case, "go West, young man" from LHR-JFK/LAX-MEL.

 

[Glideslope]

Dubai and Doha are the primary gateway between the EU and Australia thanks to the dominance of Emirates and Qatar Airways on the route, but they are not the only options.

Singapore Airlines flies EU to Australia via their hub at SIN and I believe at least one Qantas flight uses SIN, as well. There is also Qantas' non-stop from London to Perth, from where they can then connect domestically to get them to Melbourne.

And worst case, "go West, young man" from LHR-JFK/LAX-MEL.

It’s still early. Allot can happen in the Sandbox.

Edit: Minimize

 

[Apple fanboy]

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia might be at risk, depending on how long combat operations run. The US and Israel are focusing on Iran's offensive infrastructure, including launchers, supply depots and factories. Depending on how quickly and how effective they are at degrading them, by early April Iran might not be able to strike at the tracks (and I would expect both countries to have anti-air assets in place to defend the tracks if combat operations were still ongoing).

I’m not sure there will be a lot of desire to race if the safety of the crowd and crews is relying on anti air assets. They are not 100%. With F1 under US ownership I think it could be seen as a target.

But hopefully there is a peaceful resolve soon. It’s not good when countries are fighting. Whatever your politics, it’s always the innocent that suffer.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia might be at risk, depending on how long combat operations run. The US and Israel are focusing on Iran's offensive infrastructure, including launchers, supply depots and factories. Depending on how quickly and how effective they are at degrading them, by early April Iran might not be able to strike at the tracks (and I would expect both countries to have anti-air assets in place to defend the tracks if combat operations were still ongoing).

I would think Doha is just as much at risk as its in similar proximity to all the conflicts as Bahrain. I think if I was planning visiting any sporting events as a fan this year, the Middle East GP's and the World Cup would be choice events to avoid. I can't see this conflict being over by April and its not just missiles they need to worry about as drones are the biggest issue. Saudi Arabia had an incident last year I seem to remember that raised questions of safety. The sport should think long and hard about pulling out of this region IMO.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I would think Doha is just as much at risk as its in similar proximity to all the conflicts as Bahrain. I think if I was planning visiting any sporting events as a fan this year, the Middle East GP's and the World Cup would be choice events to avoid. I can't see this conflict being over by April and it’s not just missiles they need to worry about as drones are the biggest issue. Saudi Arabia had an incident last year I seem to remember that raised questions of safety. The sport should think long and hard about pulling out of this region IMO.

You couldn’t pay me enough to attend a sporting event in the Middle East or US at the moment.
Agree there should be a lot more thought about where these events take place. It’s not just about the coin is it?
Sadly though it is.

 

[pachyderm]

All I’m seeing today is concerns over travel to Australia on certain routes. Allot depends on the next week. I’m concerned. There’s allot of movement still underway. I see EK resumed flights out of DXB this morning. That’s a positive development.

A lot...?

 

[Glideslope]

You couldn’t pay me enough to attend a sporting event in the Middle East or US at the moment.
Agree there should be a lot more thought about where these events take place. It’s not just about the coin is it?
Sadly though it is.

That is a very wise outlook. Things are ramping up rapidly here. The majority is not seen by the public. It’s going to go from bad to worse. I don’t see how the F1 season won’t be compromised at this point.

 

[pachyderm]

That is a very wise outlook. Things are ramping up rapidly here. The majority is not seen by the public. It’s going to go from bad to worse. I don’t see how the F1 season won’t be compromised at this point.

I would be very wary as well.

Spoiler

mr pumpkinhead strikes again...

 

[paulyras]

I still have Singapore GP on my bucket list, although Las Vegas is a close second. One day perhaps, neither will be cheap though!

I still have Singapore GP on my bucket list, although Las Vegas is a close second. One day perhaps, neither will be cheap though!

Been living in Singapore for 12 years and been to the last 13 GPs here. It's a great time. It's a street circuit so you see 1-2 corners from seats, but even walkabout tickets are great. Also, they get really good concerts. Elton John and Foo Fighters last year. DM me up if you end up coming.

 

[Paul1964]

You couldn’t pay me enough to attend a sporting event in the Middle East or US at the moment.
Agree there should be a lot more thought about where these events take place. It’s not just about the coin is it?
Sadly though it is.

No problem visiting the US but the Middle East? Hell no.

I have a friend whose Sister and Familiy are currently on vacation in Abu Dhabi - they have been hearing rockets and explosions - scary stuff.

 

[Apple fanboy]

No problem visiting the US but the Middle East? Hell no.

I have a friend whose Sister and Familiy are currently on vacation in Abu Dhabi - they have been hearing rockets and explosions - scary stuff.

My boss is in Isreal trying to work out when he’ll get home.
I decided to not visit the States just over a year ago for 4 years. I’ll leave you to work out why!

 

[Glideslope]

 

[Apple fanboy]

View attachment 2609477

Sensible decision imo.

 

[Glideslope]

Sensible decision imo.

I hope it can rescheduled later in the year. I haven’t seen the numbers of aircraft being topped off before heading over the pond in the past 48hrs since 07 Aug 90. 😞

 

[Glideslope]

Pit lane in Australia has been reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h do to having 11 Teams which seems odd as everyone doesn’t pit at once the vast majority of the time.

Anyone think this increases the likelihood of a one stop?

 

[CWallace]

Pit lane in Australia has been reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h do to having 11 Teams which seems odd as everyone doesn’t pit at once the vast majority of the time.

Anyone think this increases the likelihood of a one stop?

My guess it is in expectation of Safety Cars when the field would pit en masse. Pirelli is bringing the three softest compounds (C3-C5), but temps will be mild and I believe the track is low-deg so one-stops could very well be the preferred strategy (Medium - Hard, I presume).

 

[TheIntruder]

I'd be fine if they left the soulless ME circuits off the calendars entirely.

But, the sweet, filthy lucre is hard to resist.

 

[Paul1964]

Pit lane in Australia has been reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h do to having 11 Teams which seems odd as everyone doesn’t pit at once the vast majority of the time.

Anyone think this increases the likelihood of a one stop?

It might turn out to be just 10 for Australia - it depends if Aston Martin turn up to race. There's rumours around that says they won't.

 

[Glideslope]

It might turn out to be just 10 for Australia - it depends if Aston Martin turn up to race. There's rumours around that says they won't.

Warmup lap then retire seems to be the target as of yesterday.

 

[CWallace]

Reports are circulating that FIA and F1 are in talks with Imola, Portimão and Istanbul Park to host events should it become necessary to postpone the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix.

Where could F1 race if it cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabia?

F1 potentially has a logistical nightmare on its hands if the championship deems the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix too unsafe to go ahead — but which circuits could step in to fill the void?

racingnews365.com

 

[pachyderm]

Reports are circulating that FIA and F1 are in talks with Imola, Portimão and Istanbul Park to host events should it become necessary to postpone the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix.

Where could F1 race if it cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabia?

F1 potentially has a logistical nightmare on its hands if the championship deems the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix too unsafe to go ahead — but which circuits could step in to fill the void?

racingnews365.com

YES!

 

[pachyderm]

I'd be fine if they left the soulless ME circuits off the calendars entirely.

But, the sweet, filthy lucre is hard to resist.

Agreed