In a surprising turn of events, the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East has been suspended, citing ongoing uncertainty in the region. The decision was confirmed on Wednesday after championship management reviewed the conditions surrounding the Bahrain-based one-make series.
Porsche attributed the suspension to "current circumstances" and the "resulting uncertainty" surrounding the planning and execution of the championship. They emphasised that a series must provide all stakeholders with the operational, logistical, and commercial certainty required to plan and deliver a championship to expected standards. At present, this level of certainty cannot be assured.
The decision follows an already heavily disrupted 2025-26 campaign, which was brought to an early conclusion after its final two rounds were cancelled. Those meetings had been scheduled alongside the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix before both F1 events were called off amid the regional situation earlier this year. Porsche subsequently confirmed neither Carrera Cup round would be rescheduled, leaving Japan's Taichi Watarai as overall champion and rookie title winner after he finished 13.5 points clear of Australian Caleb Sumich in the shortened championship.
The series has become a familiar presence alongside F1 in the Middle East, supporting the Bahrain, Saudi Arabian, and Qatar Grands Prix across 2024 and 2025. Sumich was among the drivers to enjoy success on those weekends, claiming victories in Saudi Arabia and Qatar during 2025.
The latest suspension therefore arrives while Formula 1 itself continues to face questions over its remaining Middle Eastern events in 2026 and the make-up of its 2027 calendar. Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain scheduled to host the final two rounds of the current F1 season on November 29 and December 6 respectively, although a final assessment of the regional situation is expected around the middle of September.
Qatar organisers said last week preparations for the Lusail event were continuing as normal despite the uncertainty. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has also maintained that both races remain confirmed for now, while acknowledging alternatives are available if circumstances change. "That moment will be not before the middle of September. So as we said, for us today, the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are confirmed," Domenicali said in July.
Should either event become untenable, F1 has already indicated the season would instead conclude in Europe, with Imola among several circuits discussed as potential alternatives. The FIA World Endurance Championship has already activated its own contingency plans.
The suspension of Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East is a significant blow to the teams and drivers involved. However, the championship intends to use the interruption to reassess its position, with a controlled reset and close collaboration with key partners aiming for a strong and sustainable return in the 2027 season. Only time will tell if the situation in the Middle East improves enough to allow this prestigious series to return.
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