Formula 1 is already working on alternative plans for the conclusion of the 2026 season, in case the conflict in the Middle East continues and affects the calendar again. After the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia GPs, the category admits that further changes may be necessary in the final months of the championship.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed that the category has strategies ready to deal with possible new impacts from the war involving Iran and the United States. Despite this, the executive stated that the priority is still to maintain the races originally scheduled on the calendar.
With no races held in April due to the situation in the Middle East, Liberty Media is evaluating alternatives to reorganize the championship. The company’s CEO, Derek Chang, told The Race that there is still the possibility of rescheduling one of the canceled rounds for the end of the season.
Among the scenarios discussed internally, one possibility would be to fit a race between the Azerbaijan and Singapore GPs, creating a triple sequence on the calendar. Another option considered would be to reorganize the last rounds of the year, precisely during the period when Formula 1 returns to the Middle East.
Currently, the calendar foresees the season ending with the Qatar and Abu Dhabi GPs. If the conflict remains unresolved until November and December, new changes could directly affect these decisive rounds of the championship.
Domenicali avoided anticipating details about possible substitutions but confirmed that the category is already preparing for any scenario: “The only thing I can say is that we have plans, we hope not to have to apply them, because we really hope that the world situation, not just for the races, returns to normal,” he said.
The executive also highlighted that Formula 1 works together with teams and promoters to assess the logistical impacts of possible calendar changes: “We are aligned with the teams and promoters because this generates a large chain of reactions,” he added.
Finally, Domenicali stated that new information will be released only at the appropriate time, avoiding fueling speculation about possible cancellations: “In due time, we will keep everyone informed. But I hope you understand if we avoid speculation, because our main hope is to return to the places where we should be,” he concluded.
