Middle East conflict cancels Bahrain and Saudi F1 races, jeopardizing crypto sponsorships and major UAE events

Formula 1 has removed the Bahrain Grand Prix (April 12) and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (April 19) from its 2026 schedule amid escalating conflict in the region, and the FIA said it is maintaining contact with local authorities while it evaluates the situation ^{[1] [2]}.

Industry reporting estimates the two cancellations could cost F1 roughly $200 million in revenue and about $80 million in EBITDA, and the losses threaten multi‑million‑dollar sponsorships from crypto platforms including OKX, Crypto.com and Bybit ^{[2] [1] [3]}.

The regional disruption has also affected other major UAE events: TOKEN2049 Dubai was rescheduled to April 2027, TON Gateway Dubai was canceled, and conventions such as Middle East Energy Dubai and the Dubai International Boat Show have been postponed or delayed ^{[2] [3] [4]}.

Crypto brands already faced visibility and reputational headwinds on F1 cars prior to the cancellations, and sponsors and organizers are now monitoring security developments and commercial exposure as decisions about future events are made ^{[1] [3]}.

The FIA and local authorities continue to assess safety and scheduling; the full commercial impact on F1 and its crypto partners will depend on further decisions and any rescheduling of affected events ^{[1] [2]}.