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F1 Faces Major Financial Loss Amid Middle East Race Schedule Turmoil
Highlights
- Formula 1 Q2 2026 revenue dropped 15% to $1.381 billion
- Middle East conflicts canceled Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix
- Bahrain GP relocated to Malaysia for October 4, Saudi GP canceled
- Formula 1 aims to hold at least 22 races in 2026
- Viewing hours rose 13% due to Apple partnership benefits
- 10-year Las Vegas contract extension signed with key partners
Liberty Media’s Q2 2026 update shows Formula 1 revenue down 15% for the first half, to $1.381 billion, after Middle East cancellations disrupted the calendar.
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, planned for April, were canceled amid regional conflict. That left three fewer races versus the same period in 2025.
Operating income stands at $180 million. Adjusted OIBDA drops 30% to $311 million. The decline is explored in reporting on F1’s income drop.
Revenue falls 15% to $1.381 billion for the first half of 2026; Adjusted OIBDA declines 30% to $311 million.
The reduction was expected. Pre-planned calendar gaps amplified the effect once April’s races disappeared, compressing income while fixed costs persisted through spring.
F1 plans to run the Bahrain Grand Prix on October 4, relocating the event to Malaysia. Saudi Arabia will not race this season. Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain uncertain.
Bahrain moves to Malaysia for October 4; Saudi Arabia’s race will not take place in 2026.
F1 still targets at least 22 races to protect sporting integrity and contracts. Teams adjust programmes accordingly, and Mercedes has discussed calendar flexibility amid shifting dates and travel demands.
Stefano Domenicali remains upbeat. He cites competitive racing, stronger attendance, and rising digital reach. An Apple partnership lifts viewing hours 13% year-on-year, offsetting some commercial pressure.
Apple partnership drives a 13% increase in viewing hours year-on-year.
Commercial stability also matters. A 10-year Las Vegas extension underpins the slate, while initiatives like circuits joining forces illustrate collaboration in a shifting environment.
Las Vegas secures F1 for a further 10 years, strengthening long-term scheduling.
F1 continues working with ServusTV and Pirelli. Those relationships support media reach and tyre continuity as the championship navigates regional uncertainty and compressed windows.
The calendar now points to the Dutch Grand Prix on August 23, then Italy on September 6, and Spain on September 13, before flyaway events intensify.
Planning for the future continues, with 2027 calendar concepts intended to enhance competitive balance and logistics after this season’s disruptions.
Visual Summary
FEB
MAR
💥
Bahrain & Saudi
CANCELLED
Bahrain & Saudi
CANCELLED
MAY
JUN
JUL
-15% REVENUE
Fan Engagement
+13% Viewing ⬆️
+13% Viewing ⬆️
$1.381B
First half 2026
total F1 revenue
total F1 revenue
3
Major races
lost
lost
13%
Increase in
viewing hours
viewing hours
Bahrain GP moved to Malaysia (Oct 4)
Saudi Arabian GP cancelled
Saudi Arabian GP cancelled
Resilient & Racing On!
🏁
🏁
F1 adapts: aiming for 22+ races with rising fan energy, new partnerships, and
key events like Dutch (Aug 23), Italian (Sept 6), Spanish GP (Sept 13) still set to electrify the season.
key events like Dutch (Aug 23), Italian (Sept 6), Spanish GP (Sept 13) still set to electrify the season.
James William covers the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, from the Rolex 24 at Daytona to sprint-race formats. His reports include prototype performance reviews, GT class battles, and pit-stop strategy insights for endurance-racing fans.
