Silverstone offers to host additional grand prix after F1 races cancelled over Middle East conflict

Lewis Henderson
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:33:00 +0000

Silverstone has put itself forward as a potential host for additional Formula One races following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia grand prix due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Stuart Pringle, the circuit's chief executive, confirmed that the iconic British venue stands ready to assist the sport once again.

"I have offered because we stepped in during Covid, and we were able to help Formula One, and of course, will again.

"There are numerous practicalities that need to be considered, but the offer is there, and we can move quickly if asked," Pringle told Sky News.

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Formula One opted against finding replacement venues, meaning the calendar has shrunk from its originally planned 24 events down to 22 for the current season.

The Sakhir circuit in Bahrain had been due to host racing from April 10-12, with Jeddah's Saudi Arabian event scheduled for the following weekend.

The Northamptonshire circuit has previous experience stepping into such situations, having staged consecutive races in August 2020 when the pandemic disrupted the calendar.

Despite Silverstone's willingness to accommodate additional events, Formula One has firmly dismissed any suggestion that the British circuit host a second race this year.

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It told SunSport there is "no truth at all" to such plans.

When pressed about calendar availability, Pringle said: "I pride myself on not having spare windows, but everything is movable in a crisis."

The two remaining Middle Eastern rounds currently face no immediate threat, with Qatar's Grand Prix pencilled in for November 29 and Abu Dhabi's season finale set for December 6.

Both events remain on the schedule despite the regional instability that claimed the earlier Gulf races.

Stefano Domenicali, Formula One's president and chief executive, said at the time of the cancellations: "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.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their support and total understanding as they were looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion.

"We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so."

Formula One returns this week following a five-week break, with the last race taking place in Japan with Kimi Antonelli claiming first place.

The Italian leads the way in the driver's championship, with his teammate George Russell in second and Charles Leclerc in third.

Lewis Hamilton claimed his first podium in a Ferrari at the second-to-last grand prix and sits in fourth in the driver's championship.

Mercedes leads the way in the constructors' championship, having picked up five podiums and three wins between Russell and Antonelli.