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Formula 1 chiefs are already exploring alternatives in case the situation in the Middle East does not improve and the championship is forced to cancel the 2026 Grands Prix in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
The 2026 calendar was originally scheduled to contain 24 Grands Prix and six Sprints, but the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds have already been cancelled. F1 is reluctant to reduce the schedule further, particularly with the championship now facing the possibility of losing its final two events.
The Qatar Grand Prix is currently scheduled for November 27–29 at the Lusail International Circuit, with the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix following at Yas Marina on December 4–6. However, both races remain dependent on conditions in the region improving before the championship reaches the Gulf.
The uncertainty is already being monitored closely, as F1 continues to assess the wider Middle East calendar situation.
According to Nextgen Auto, Formula One Management would prefer to stage a second race at Las Vegas, Baku or Singapore if Qatar and Abu Dhabi cannot go ahead. That proposal, however, does not have unanimous support from the teams, with some reportedly opposed to the idea.
As a result, F1 is also considering European alternatives. Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya chiefs have suggested that the Montmeló venue could host a second race, while Istanbul Park has offered to stage the Turkish Grand Prix in 2026. Turkey is already due to return to the calendar in 2027 on a five-year deal.
Istanbul Park would need to accelerate planned renovations to make a 2026 race possible. The event could also attract smaller crowds, making it a less appealing commercial solution.
If FOM and the teams reject an additional race in Las Vegas, Baku or Singapore, the most likely alternatives would be a return to Barcelona or further consideration of Imola and Portimão.
F1’s priority remains staging the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds. Both races generate significant revenue, and cancelling them would create further financial pressure after Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were lost.
The decision cannot be delayed indefinitely: teams must begin organising travel and cargo plans. Yet simply cancelling the races could also distort the drivers’ and constructors’ title fights by reducing the points available.
Mercedes currently lead both championships. Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are separated by 25 points after nine rounds, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton is 32 points behind Antonelli. Any further calendar change could therefore have a direct impact on the shape of the 2026 title battle.
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.
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