F1 Tyre test in Bahrain called off amid Middle East tensions: Details

A two-day Formula 1 tyre test scheduled in Bahrain has been cancelled due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Pirelli citing security concerns. The company confirmed the decision in a statement and said all personnel in Bahrain are safe. The session, organised by Formula 1’s sole tyre supplier at the Bahrain International Circuit, was planned from February 28 to March 1 to evaluate wet-weather compounds for the 2026 season. Sprinkler systems were to be used to simulate wet conditions.

The cancellation follows military activity in the region, including reported missile strikes near Manama and heightened conflict involving the United States and Iran. Teams, including Mercedes and McLaren, had planned to participate, and the decision resulted in the loss of on-track development time. The disruption comes ahead of the season-opening race in Melbourne next week. The cancellation has disrupted travel plans for several Formula 1 teams that use Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai and Qatar as transit points between Europe and Australia. Airspace restrictions and tighter security measures have led to flight adjustments and delays in cargo movement. With personnel and equipment operating on strict timelines before the season opener, teams have been required to revise travel arrangements to ensure staff and key components reach Melbourne in time for the first round of the 2026 season.


Formula 1 and the FIA are monitoring developments. The Australian, Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix remain on schedule, while races in Bahrain on April 12 and Saudi Arabia on April 19 are under review. For Pirelli, the cancellation reduces preparation time under updated regulations. Teams are expected to depend more on simulation tools and existing data for early-season planning.

Pirelli, Formula 1’s sole tyre supplier since 2011, remains contracted in that role until at least 2027. The company designs, manufactures and supplies all race compounds and assigns engineers to work alongside teams during events to monitor performance and collect data. The Bahrain test was part of its scheduled development programme and aimed at refining wet-weather tyres ahead of the 2026 regulations. Using artificial watering systems to simulate rain conditions, the session was intended to assess durability, grip characteristics and operating ranges before finalising specifications for upcoming races.