Stefano Domenicali, the chief executive of Formula One, has reassured teams, sponsors and fans that the sport is already working on contingency scenarios for the 2027 season should the conflict in the Middle East persist into next year. While the organisation typically unveils the next year’s schedule in the early summer, the 2027 calendar will not be officially released until the autumn months, giving the governing body ample time to react to any geopolitical developments.
Domenicali explained that a "standard" programme will be published as planned, but he is fully aware of the current US‑Israel confrontation involving Iran, which has already forced the cancellation of this year’s Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. If the Qatar and Abu Dhabi events are also called off, the remainder of the 2026 championship will conclude on European soil. In that context, the president said: "If the situation in the Middle East remains unresolved, we have several alternative options for 2027. The trigger for those decisions will come at the end of the year, so we still have a considerable window to make adjustments." He added that, while the Middle East issue is a serious concern, it represents only a marginal risk to the overall health of the sport.
"We have already drafted multiple plans that will allow us to preserve the target of 24 races for next season, regardless of the outcome in that region," he said. The statement was part of a broader interview in which Domenicali highlighted the flexibility built into the FIA’s scheduling model, allowing races to be moved, postponed or replaced without jeopardising the championship’s integrity.
In parallel with these contingency discussions, Formula One has confirmed the return of two historic venues for 2027: the Istanbul Park circuit in Turkey and the Algarve International Circuit in Portugal. Both tracks will replace the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, which will host its final event there from 21 to 23 August after the summer break, before the series moves on to Barcelona for the next round. This reshuffle reflects the sport’s ongoing strategy to balance traditional European staples with emerging markets.
Looking beyond 2027, the commercial team is already in talks about expanding the calendar for 2028 and later. Potential new hosts include Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand and Argentina – the latter gaining momentum after the Argentine driver Franco Colapinto joined the grid and sparked a surge in local interest. Domenicali noted, "Negotiations are progressing very well in Africa. We are also having discussions in South America and the Far East.
One thing I can confirm is that we have received increased requests from China and Japan, but for now we intend to maintain a single Chinese race to consolidate the market before considering additional slots." Europe is also re‑emerging as a focal point for growth. Germany, in particular, has resurfaced as a possible addition after the Hockenheimring, which last hosted a Grand Prix in 2019, underwent a change in ownership and secured new investment. The circuit’s management approached the FIA with a proposal to bring Formula One back, emphasizing a revamped motorsport park concept.
Domenicali said, "Hockenheim initiated the conversation. They are developing the venue with a different objective, and any potential F1 event would require a distinct investment model to match our platform’s requirements. We have already discussed those terms." He further observed that the European market is regaining importance, noting rising attendance figures and strong TV audiences across the continent. This resurgence supports the case for adding more European rounds, provided the financial and logistical conditions are met.
The 2026 season will resume after the summer hiatus with a sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix, scheduled for 21‑23 August. All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and fans can stream the coverage via the NOW platform without a long‑term contract. The sprint format, which adds a short race on Saturday to determine the Sunday grid, continues to be a popular feature that enhances weekend excitement.
In summary, Formula One’s leadership is proactively preparing for a range of scenarios that could affect the 2027 calendar. While the primary plan remains to deliver a full 24‑race schedule, the organization has drafted alternative routes to accommodate any disruptions stemming from the Middle East conflict.
At the same time, the sport is actively pursuing new venues in Africa, South America and Asia, while also revisiting former European hosts such as Hockenheim. This dual approach of risk mitigation and strategic expansion aims to safeguard the championship’s continuity and drive its growth in the coming years.