Stefano Domenicali, the chief executive of Formula One, has confirmed that the sport’s organisers have already drawn up a series of fallback arrangements for the 2027 season should the hostilities in the Middle East persist into next year. While the official calendar for 2027 is normally unveiled during the autumn, the current geopolitical climate has forced the governing body to think ahead and ensure that the championship can still deliver a full programme of events even if some races have to be reshuffled or relocated. In recent years the sport has typically announced the following year’s schedule well in advance, giving teams, sponsors and fans plenty of time to plan.
This year, however, the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has already led to the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, and there is a real possibility that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds could also be called off. Domenicali explained that a "normal plan" – the standard 24‑race calendar – will still be the target, but the organisation is prepared with alternative scenarios that can be activated if the situation does not improve. "If the Middle‑East situation remains unresolved, we have a range of options and different contingency plans for 2027," Domenicali said.
"The trigger for any change will be at the end of the year, so we still have ample time to make adjustments." He added that the sport’s exposure to the conflict is a marginal risk compared with the broader safety and logistical concerns that would arise from a prolonged war. "We have multiple plans already in place that will allow us to keep the 24‑race target for next year," he affirmed, underscoring the commitment to a full season despite external pressures. In parallel with these contingency discussions, Formula One has confirmed the return of two classic venues to the 2027 schedule: Turkey’s Istanbul Park and Portugal’s Algarve International Circuit.
Both will replace the Dutch round at Zandvoort, which is set to host its final Grand Prix on 21‑23 August after the summer break, before the series moves on to Barcelona. The inclusion of these tracks reflects the sport’s ongoing strategy to diversify its geographic footprint while maintaining a robust European core.
Looking further ahead, the organisation is already in advanced talks about expanding the calendar beyond 2027. Potential new venues being evaluated include Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand and Argentina.
The interest in Argentina has been sparked by a surge in popularity following the debut of Argentine driver Franco Colapinto, who has attracted a sizable fan base both locally and internationally. Domenicali noted that negotiations in Africa are progressing well, and that discussions are also underway in South America and the Far East.
"We have more interest from China and Japan, but for now we intend to retain a single race in China while we consolidate the market," he explained. "Any additional events in those regions would have to wait until we have a stable foundation and the right investment structure." Germany has unexpectedly emerged as a candidate for a future return to the calendar, with the historic Hockenheimring being mentioned as a possible venue. The circuit last hosted a Grand Prix in 2019, but fell off the schedule due to insufficient government funding.
Recent changes in ownership and a new investment model have revived interest, and Hockenheim officials have already approached Formula One to explore the feasibility of a comeback. "Hockenheim reached out to us first and opened the dialogue," Domenicali said.
"They are redeveloping the motorsport park with a different objective, and any potential F1 event would require a distinct investment approach that aligns with our commercial and technical standards. We are actively discussing those possibilities." Europe, once again, is showing signs of becoming a key market for the sport.
The growing fan numbers and renewed commercial interest are prompting Formula One to monitor the region closely, especially as the series looks to balance its global expansion with a strong European presence. The 2026 season will resume after the summer hiatus with a sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix 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, and the series continues to offer a flexible viewing experience. In summary, while the Middle East conflict poses a genuine challenge, Formula One’s leadership has prepared a suite of contingency measures to safeguard the 2027 calendar.
By keeping the 24‑race target, securing the return of Turkey and Portugal, and actively pursuing new markets in Africa, South America and Asia, the sport aims to deliver a full, exciting season regardless of external disruptions. The proactive planning, combined with ongoing negotiations for future venues such as Hockenheim, demonstrates Formula One’s commitment to resilience and growth in a rapidly changing global landscape.