Stefano Domenicali, the chief executive of Formula 1, has reassured teams, fans and commercial partners that the organisation has already drawn up a series of backup scenarios for the 2027 season should the hostilities in the Middle East persist into next year. While the sport traditionally releases its provisional calendar for the following year well in advance, the 2027 schedule will not be made public until the autumn, allowing the governing body ample time to adjust the programme if the geopolitical climate does not improve.
Domenicali explained that a "standard" calendar will still be presented, but he is fully aware of the current US‑Israel conflict involving Iran, which forced the cancellation of both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix this year. If the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds are also unable to take place, the championship will conclude on European soil, a contingency that has already been factored into the planning process.
"Should the situation in the Middle East remain unresolved, we have a number of alternative options for 2027. The trigger for any change will be assessed at the end of the calendar year, giving us plenty of lead‑time to make the necessary adjustments," Domenicali said in a recent interview.
"The region is certainly a concern, but it is only one element among many that we monitor closely. Our priority is to preserve the integrity of the championship and to maintain a target of 24 races for the next season." The F1 leadership has already confirmed that the 2027 programme will still aim for a 24‑race format, even if some events need to be relocated or replaced. In addition to the Middle East issue, the sport is preparing for a number of other calendar changes that have already been announced. Turkey and Portugal are set to re‑join the schedule, taking the place of the Dutch circuit at Zandvoort, which will host its final Grand Prix on the weekend of 21‑23 August after the summer break.
Barcelona will also retain its slot, ensuring a strong European core to the season. Looking further ahead, the organisation is in advanced discussions with several prospective venues that could be added to the 2028 calendar at the earliest. These include Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand and Argentina – the latter gaining momentum after the recent surge in popularity sparked by Argentine driver Franco Colapinto joining the grid. Domenicali highlighted that negotiations in Africa are progressing well, and that talks are also underway in South America and the Far East.
"We are receiving a lot of interest from China and Japan," he noted. "At the moment we prefer to keep a single race in China so we can consolidate the market before considering additional events." Europe is also re‑emerging as a focal point for expansion.
Germany, in particular, has entered the conversation as a possible host for a future Grand Prix, with the Hockenheim circuit being mentioned as a candidate. Hockenheim last featured on the F1 calendar in 2019, but a lack of state funding at the time led to its removal. The track has since undergone a change in ownership and financing structure, prompting renewed interest from the sport’s leadership.
"Hockenheim approached us first and opened discussions about a potential return," Domenicali explained. "They are redeveloping the venue into a broader motorsport park with a different business model. Any future Formula 1 event there would require a distinct investment approach to meet the standards of our global platform. We have already begun those conversations." He added that the European market is showing strong growth again, with fan numbers and commercial metrics indicating a revitalised appetite for the sport across the continent.
This resurgence is influencing the strategic outlook for the championship’s long‑term calendar composition. In summary, while the immediate focus remains on resolving the disruptions caused by the current Middle East conflict, Formula 1 is proactively preparing a suite of contingency plans to safeguard the 2027 season. These include maintaining a 24‑race target, securing alternative venues, and continuing negotiations with emerging markets in Africa, South America and Asia.
The organization’s flexible approach aims to ensure that, regardless of external challenges, the sport can deliver a full, exciting, and globally representative championship for teams, drivers and fans alike. The season will resume after the summer hiatus with a sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort from 21‑23 August, with every session broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Viewers can stream the coverage via NOW without a contract, cancelling at any time.