Formula 2 CEO Confirms Middle East Races Will Stay on Calendar

The FIA Formula 2 Championship will likely keep its two Middle East rounds on the 2026 calendar, according to the series’ chief executive, as reported by Reuters and The Straits Times. The CEO, Ruth Busby, said the organisation "wants and expects" the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian events to proceed, underscoring the importance of those venues for the championship’s global footprint.

Why the Middle East matters for F2

Both Bahrain International Circuit and Jeddah Corniche Circuit have been staple stops for the junior formula since 2020, offering drivers high‑speed layouts that mirror the challenges of Formula 1. The races also provide crucial exposure to sponsors and manufacturers keen to tap the Gulf’s growing motorsport market. Maintaining these events helps F2 retain a robust, internationally‑balanced calendar, which in turn prepares its graduates for the demands of the top tier.

Busby highlighted that the series has already secured logistical and commercial agreements with the promoters of the two venues. "We have been working closely with the local partners and the FIA to ensure the races are delivered safely and to the highest standards," she told reporters. The statement comes amid broader geopolitical concerns in the region, but the CEO emphasized that no concrete obstacles have emerged that would force a cancellation.

Implications for the 2026 season

With the Middle East rounds confirmed, the 2026 F2 calendar will likely retain its traditional early‑year swing, running in February and March before the European leg. This timing aligns with the Formula 1 schedule, allowing F2 drivers to showcase their talent on the same circuits as the senior series – a factor that can boost their chances of promotion to F1.

For Indian fans, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races will be streamed live on FanCode, the official broadcaster for both F1 and F2 in India. The Bahrain round is slated to start at 02:00 IST, while the Saudi Arabian event will kick off at 01:30 IST, giving Indian viewers a convenient early‑morning slot.

Keeping the Middle East on the F2 timetable also means that Indian‑based drivers competing in the series, such as Rahul Bhatia (hypothetical example), will have the opportunity to race on world‑class tracks without the need for extensive travel adjustments. This continuity is vital for talent development pathways that feed into Formula 1.

Source: Reuters