Amid speculations about the international motorsport calendar, the FIA (International Automobile Federation) announced the postponement of the opening round of the 2026 World Endurance Championship season. The race was scheduled to take place between March 26 and 28 at the Lusail International Circuit, in Qatar, but was postponed due to the conflict in the Middle East.
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Although no Formula 1 round has been officially postponed so far, speculation is growing around the races scheduled for April, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs. Should the category choose not to travel to the Middle East because of tensions involving the United States and Iran, alternatives are already being discussed behind the scenes.
Among the tracks that could replace the Arab countries are Imola, in Italy, and Portimão, in Portugal. But the second option seems more difficult to happen, as the Portuguese circuit would be occupied precisely on the weekends when F1 was supposed to compete in the Middle East. During the Bahrain round, the track will host Porsche races. The following week, the scheduled date for the Saudi Arabian GP, International GT Open races are scheduled. A week later, it will be the turn of the CRM event.
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Although there is the possibility of cancellation or rescheduling of these categories, the measure could generate high costs. Teams, drivers, and spectators have already incurred expenses related to travel to Portimão on the scheduled dates, in addition to the additional challenge of finding new dates on the calendar.
Given this scenario, although not impossible, reorganization is considered difficult. Thus, Portimão does not emerge, at this moment, as the main alternative to replace the Bahrain or Saudi Arabian rounds, should Formula 1 need to change its plans.
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