Formula 1 is considering an emergency reshuffle of the calendar as uncertainty in the Middle East grows – Following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, Formula 1 is preparing multiple contingency plans for the 2026 season calendar. Concerns are now growing that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races could also be affected if tensions involving Iran continue into the latter part of the year.
This issue was raised during Liberty Media’s latest presentation of financial results, where Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed that discussions regarding potential replacements, postponements and alternative scheduling scenarios are ongoing behind the scenes. However, F1 is deliberately avoiding making any public commitments until the geopolitical situation becomes clearer.
The cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix have already created a significant void in the 2026 schedule and affected Formula 1’s financial outlook, despite the sport reporting robust commercial growth in the first quarter of the year.
Speaking during Liberty Media’s investor presentation and in comments later reported by Bloomberg, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed the championship already has contingency plans in place for the 2026 calendar.
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Despite cancelled races, Formula 1 revenues remain strong
Liberty Media revealed that revenues increased by 53 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, underlining the championship’s commercial strength despite the disruption caused by the loss of two Grands Prix.
Nevertheless, the absence of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian events is expected to impact second-quarter figures noticeably, especially given the importance of Middle Eastern races to Formula 1’s commercial model.
During the investor presentation, Domenicali stressed that Formula 1 already has contingency plans in place, but made clear that no final decisions have been taken.
“To avoid any speculation, the only thing I can say is that we have plans,” he explained.
“We hope they don’t have to be implemented because we truly hope that the situation, even just with regard to racing, returns to normal worldwide.”
These comments suggest that Formula 1 is evaluating two distinct possibilities: either rescheduling some of the cancelled races later in the year or preparing for further cancellations should instability in the region persist.
Qatar and Abu Dhabi are now emerging as possible concerns
While Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have already been removed from the calendar, Formula 1’s bigger concern is that the conflict could continue into the second half of the season.
This could put both the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix at risk.
Currently, the Qatar race is scheduled for 29 November, with Abu Dhabi set to host the season finale on 6 December.
If either event becomes impossible to stage, Formula 1 would have to choose between shortening the championship or securing replacement venues capable of hosting races at short notice.
This would have significant logistical implications for teams, freight operations, broadcasters, promoters and sponsors, particularly given the complexity of Formula 1’s end-of-season travel schedule.
The timing of the Las Vegas race could become crucial
One of the most important questions surrounding any potential reshuffle of the calendar involves the positioning of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Currently, there is a two-week gap between the São Paulo Grand Prix on 8 November and the Las Vegas Grand Prix on 21 November.
Traditionally, the Las Vegas event takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving in the United States, which is on 26 November in 2026. It is unclear whether this timing is flexible enough to accommodate another race elsewhere.
One option could be to insert a rescheduled Bahrain or Saudi Arabian Grand Prix into the window before Qatar. Another possibility would be to push back the Abu Dhabi finale entirely.
However, at this stage, Formula 1 is unwilling to publicly outline preferred solutions while the wider geopolitical situation remains unresolved.
Formula 1 wants to avoid speculation
Domenicali also emphasised that discussions are taking place with both teams and race promoters before any decisions are finalised.
“Discussions are being held in concert with the teams and promoters because this is an issue with a wide range of repercussions,” he said.
“We will keep everyone informed in due course.”
I hope you understand that if we were to say something, it would be speculation, which we want to avoid because, as I said, our priority is to ensure we return to the places we should be.”
For now, Formula 1 appears determined to remain flexible while monitoring developments over the coming months. While the championship still hopes to restore some of the cancelled races, it must also prepare for the possibility of further disruption later in the season.
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