Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali stated that contingency arrangements have been developed for the 2027 racing calendar in the event that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East persist into next year. The announcement departs from F1’s traditional practice of revealing the following year’s schedule by this point in the season, with the 2027 calendar now expected to be disclosed during the autumn months instead.
The conflict has already impacted the current season, resulting in the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. Domenicali acknowledged that if the situation remains unresolved, the season could conclude in Europe, contingent upon whether the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races proceed as scheduled. Despite these uncertainties, F1 leadership has assured stakeholders that alternative arrangements are prepared to maintain the target of 24 races for 2027.
Domenicali characterized the scheduling challenges as secondary to the broader humanitarian implications of a prolonged conflict, stating that if conditions do not stabilize in the region, Formula 1 would constitute a minor concern relative to the severity of the situation. He emphasized that multiple contingency plans with different options have already been developed to accommodate various scenarios.
Looking beyond 2027, F1 continues to pursue expansion opportunities. Turkey and Portugal will join the 2027 calendar to replace Zandvoort and Barcelona, with Zandvoort hosting its final Dutch Grand Prix later this month. Domenicali indicated that F1 is in discussions with Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, and Argentina regarding future inclusion, with the South American interest partly driven by increased sport popularity following Franco Colapinto’s involvement. Additionally, Germany has emerged as a potential venue, with Hockenheim exploring the possibility of returning to the calendar under a new ownership and investment structure following its last race appearance in 2019.
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