Formula One Discovers Problems With Global Ambitions

Ferrari's British driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates winning third place in the 2026 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai International Circuit on March 15, 2026 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhang Hengwei/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)

China News Service via Getty Images

Formula One, the worldwide racing series, has encountered difficulties with its business model at the start of this year.

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F1 began its 2026 series with races in Australia and Asia this month. Contests were held in Australia and China with another in Japan at the end of March.

That was supposed to be the start of 24 contests extending to December. Other racing series, such as NASCAR and IndyCar are regional.

Except…

The U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28. Suddenly, the F1 schedule was affected.

F1 had April races scheduled in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The Middle East became involved in the conflict between the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran. The situation expanded as attacks occurred elsewhere in the Middle East.

F1 said March 14 the Bahrain and Saudia Arabia events won’t take place.

“While this was a difficult decision to take, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East,” Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of F1, said in a statement.

F1 already had a lot on its plate. The series this year implemented new rules and regulations for 2026. The race cars are smaller and lighter, according to F1’s website.

This year’s cars are also powered by a combination of “sustainable fuels” and electric power – essentially hybrid race cars.

Automakers, including Detroit-based General Motors Co. and Dearborn, Michigan-based Ford Motor Co. are now involved with F1. GM has a new F1 team. Ford is a technical partner with the Red Bull team.

Global automakers have long been involved with Formula One. As things stand now, there won’t be an F1 race between March and May, when there will be an F1 event in Miami. That will be the first of three F1 races in the United States.

Automotive names such as Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Honda Motor Co. and Aston Martin are also active in Formula One. The global series markets itself as “aspirational.” That is, very expensive.

The Middle East is a very important region for the entire world. It’s a major energy source globally.

Regardless, the auto industry has a lot riding on what will happen with F1 – and the outcome in the Middle East.

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