Stefano Domenicali, the chief executive of Formula 1, has reassured fans, teams and partners that the organisation already has contingency arrangements ready for the 2027 race calendar should the conflict in the Middle East persist into next year. While the sport traditionally unveils its full schedule for the following season well in advance, the 2027 programme will not be officially released until the autumn, giving the governing body ample time to adjust if geopolitical conditions deteriorate. Domenicali explained that a "normal" calendar will be published as usual, but he is fully aware of the current US‑Israel‑Iran confrontation that has already forced the cancellation of this year’s Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. If the situation does not improve, the remaining two Middle Eastern events – the Qatar Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – could also be at risk, meaning the current season might conclude in Europe instead of the traditional Middle Eastern finale.
"If the Middle‑East situation remains unresolved, we have a set of alternative scenarios for 2027 already drafted," Domenicali said. "The trigger for any changes will be assessed at the end of the year, so we still have a considerable window to make the necessary adjustments." He added that, while the region’s instability is a serious concern, it is only one of many variables the sport must manage. "From a Formula 1 perspective the issue is marginal compared with the broader picture, but we are preparing for the worst‑case scenario to ensure the championship can still deliver the target of 24 races next season," he noted.
The president’s comments came alongside a reminder from Sky Sports to follow their WhatsApp channel for up‑to‑date news, video highlights, in‑depth analysis and other exclusive content. He also urged viewers to use the Chrome browser for the best video‑player experience. In terms of the broader calendar, F1 has already confirmed the return of the Turkish Grand Prix and a race in Portugal, which will replace the Dutch event at Zandvoort. The Dutch Grand Prix will still take place after the summer break, running from August 21‑23, and will be followed by the traditional Spanish round at Barcelona.
Looking beyond 2027, the sport is already in preliminary talks with several new venues that could join the 2028 schedule at the earliest. Potential candidates include Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand and Argentina – the latter gaining interest after the surge in popularity sparked by the Argentine driver Franco Colapinto joining the grid.
Domenicali said, "Negotiations are progressing very well in Africa, and we are also having constructive discussions in South America and the Far East." He highlighted that while there is growing demand for additional races in China and Japan, the organisation prefers to consolidate its presence in China with a single Grand Prix before considering any further expansion in the region. "We need a solid market foundation before we can justify more events there," he explained. Europe is also re‑emerging as a key market.
Germany, in particular, has surfaced as a surprise contender for future calendars, with the possibility of the Hockenheimring returning to the schedule. The circuit last hosted a Formula 1 race in 2019, but a lack of governmental funding led to its removal.
Recent changes in ownership and a new investment model have revived interest. "Hockenheim approached us first and started the conversation," Domenicali said.
"They are redeveloping the motorsport park with a different objective, and any potential F1 event would require a distinct investment structure to meet our standards. We have already discussed these requirements with them." He emphasized that Europe’s growing fan base and commercial metrics are encouraging the sport to consider more races on the continent. "We are closely monitoring the growth in Europe because the market is becoming important again, and the numbers support that trend," he added.
The 2026 season will continue after the summer hiatus with a sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix, scheduled for August 21‑23, and every session will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Fans can stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract and cancel at any time. In summary, while the ongoing Middle East conflict poses a genuine risk to the traditional race calendar, Formula 1’s leadership has proactively mapped out multiple fallback options.
By maintaining flexibility, securing alternative venues, and keeping a clear focus on delivering a full slate of 24 races, the sport aims to safeguard its global audience and commercial commitments regardless of geopolitical developments. The final 2027 calendar will be unveiled in the autumn, at which point the definitive lineup – whether it includes the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds or substitutes them with other locations – will be confirmed.