Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali has revealed that the organization has backup plans in place for the 2027 calendar, should the conflict in the Middle East persist. Typically, the F1 calendar for the upcoming year would have been announced by now, but the 2027 schedule will be revealed in the autumn.
Domenicali stated that while a 'normal plan' will be announced, the organization is aware of the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran, which has already led to the cancellation of this year's Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. In the event that the situation in the Middle East is not resolved, Domenicali assured that alternative plans are being considered to ensure the target of 24 races is still met. The president emphasized that these plans will be triggered at the end of the year, allowing for adjustments to be made as needed. With the current season set to conclude in Europe if the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix do not take place, F1 has already announced the return of Turkey and Portugal to the calendar, replacing Zandvoort and Barcelona.
The organization is also in discussions with Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, and Argentina regarding potential new events, although any additions would not occur until the 2028 calendar at the earliest. Furthermore, Germany has emerged as a surprise contender to join future calendars, with the possibility of Hockenheim returning to the schedule. The venue, which last hosted an F1 race in 2019, has a new ownership and investment model, and Domenicali expressed interest in discussing a potential F1 event.
The Formula 1 season is set to resume after the summer break with a Sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix from August 21-23, with all sessions available to stream on Sky Sports F1.