Stefano Domenicali, the chief executive of Formula 1, has assured fans and stakeholders that the sport has already drawn up backup scenarios for the 2027 season should the current hostilities in the Middle East persist into next year. While the governing body typically reveals the next year’s race calendar well in advance, the official 2027 schedule will not be published until the autumn months, giving the organization ample time to react to geopolitical developments. Domenicali explained that a "standard" calendar will be announced as usual, but the team is closely monitoring the war that has erupted between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The conflict has already forced the cancellation of this year’s Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, and there is a genuine risk that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi events could also be called off, which would force the remainder of the 2026 season to conclude in Europe.
"If the situation in the Middle East remains unresolved, we have a range of alternative plans for 2027," the F1 president said. "The trigger for any changes will come at the end of the year, so we still have a considerable window to make adjustments." He added that the sport’s exposure to the region is a relatively small part of the overall calendar, but the uncertainty is nonetheless concerning.
"If the region’s instability continues into next year, it becomes a marginal but still noteworthy risk for Formula 1," Domenicali noted. "Rest assured, we have already prepared multiple options that will allow us to maintain our target of 24 races for the 2027 season, regardless of the outcome." In parallel with these contingency discussions, Formula 1 has confirmed that the Turkish and Portuguese rounds will re‑join the schedule, replacing the Dutch event at Zandvoort, which will host its final Grand Prix on 21‑23 August after the summer break. The Barcelona race will also remain on the calendar.
The series is actively exploring new venues for future seasons, though any additions are unlikely to appear before the 2028 calendar. Current talks involve potential races in Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand and Argentina—the latter gaining momentum thanks to the surge in popularity following the arrival of Argentine driver Franco Colapinto.
"Negotiations in Africa are progressing very well, and we are also holding discussions in South America and the Far East," Domenicali said. He emphasized that while interest in China and Japan is high, the organization prefers to concentrate on consolidating the existing Chinese Grand Prix before considering a second event in the country. Europe is also re‑emerging as a focal point for expansion.
Germany, in particular, has been mentioned as a possible new host, with the historic Hockenheim circuit showing renewed interest. The track last hosted a Formula 1 race in 2019, but a lack of state funding at the time led to its removal from the calendar. Recent changes in ownership and a fresh investment model have revived the conversation. "Hockenheim approached us first and began discussions about a potential return," Domenicali explained.
"They are redeveloping the venue into a motorsport park with a different strategic aim. Any future Formula 1 event there would require a distinct investment structure to match our platform’s requirements, and those talks are ongoing." The president also highlighted the broader growth of the European market, noting that rising attendance and viewership figures are making the continent an increasingly attractive proposition for the sport.
"We are closely watching the expansion in Europe because the numbers are compelling and the market is becoming important again," he said. Looking ahead, the 2026 season will resume after the summer hiatus with a sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort from 21‑23 August, with all sessions broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Fans can stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract, giving them the flexibility to cancel at any time. The ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East underscores the importance of the contingency plans that Domenicali and his team have put in place, ensuring that the sport can adapt quickly while preserving the integrity of the championship and its commitment to a full, 24‑race calendar for 2027.