A provisional 2027 F1 calendar has emerged featuring 24 Grands Prix, with Bahrain expected to open the season on 14 March before Saudi Arabia hosts the second round one week later. Portugal and Turkey are also included in the reported schedule, although continuing tensions in the Middle East mean Formula 1 is preparing an alternative plan.
The championship has entered its summer break, traditionally the period when Formula 1 officially releases the calendar for the following season. This year, however, the announcement of the 2027 dates has been postponed until the autumn because of the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
Middle East conflict delays official 2027 F1 calendar
The war in Iran has already significantly affected the 2026 Formula 1 calendar. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was cancelled, while the Bahrain round was relocated to Malaysia. There are also no guarantees yet concerning the final races of the current campaign in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Formula 1 has an emergency plan available if further changes are required this year, with European alternatives being considered for the 2026 season finale. The situation is more critical for 2027, however, because the uncertainty concerns the opening rounds of the championship rather than events later in the season.
According to The Race, Formula 1’s existing contractual commitments mean Bahrain is provisionally scheduled to host the opening race of the 2027 season on 14 March. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix would then follow in Jeddah on 21 March.
The Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir is also expected to stage the only pre-season test from 25 to 27 February. Earlier indications had already suggested that Bahrain could regain the Formula 1 season opener in 2027.
Why the opening races matter to Formula 1 teams
Placing Bahrain and Saudi Arabia at the beginning of the season makes decisions over whether the events can proceed particularly important for the teams. Any alteration would have a significant effect on car construction deadlines, freight arrangements and expenditure governed by the Formula 1 budget cap.
Teams need to know as early as possible when and where pre-season testing and the opening Grand Prix will be held. Every additional day before testing gives them more time to assemble their new cars, complete essential checks and prepare for the start of the championship.
Moving either event would create a complicated logistical chain involving personnel, freight, travel and accommodation. Formula 1 has already encountered similar difficulties while considering whether the disrupted Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds could be restored to the current schedule, with the logistical and financial consequences of calendar changes affecting every team.
Stefano Domenicali confirms Formula 1 has a Plan B
Speaking on Wednesday, Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali confirmed that an official calendar would be presented after the summer break. The initial schedule will be prepared on the assumption that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix can take place as planned.
Formula 1 nevertheless recognises that there are no guarantees, which is why an alternative schedule is also being developed.
“The calendar that will be presented, let’s say in autumn, will be a sort of normal plan,” Stefano Domenicali said. “Obviously, in case the situation in the Middle East is not resolved, we have other options, a different plan. The trigger for that is, of course, at the end of the year, so we still have a lot of time, so to speak, to adapt.”
The provisional calendar also reflects Formula 1’s wider efforts to reshape its global schedule. Portimão is set to host the returning Portuguese Grand Prix, while Istanbul Park will bring the Turkish Grand Prix back to the championship. The return of Portugal has already been welcomed by Lewis Hamilton, who delivered a positive assessment of the Portimão circuit.
Provisional 2027 F1 calendar and pre-season testing dates
While Formula 1 waits to see how the geopolitical situation develops, the following dates are currently listed as the provisional 2027 schedule:
| Round | Date | Event | Circuit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 25–27 February | Pre-season testing | Sakhir |
| 1 | 12–14 March | Bahrain Grand Prix | Sakhir |
| 2 | 19–21 March | Saudi Arabian Grand Prix | Jeddah |
| 3 | 2–4 April | Australian Grand Prix | Melbourne |
| 4 | 9–11 April | Japanese Grand Prix | Suzuka |
| 5 | 16–18 April | Chinese Grand Prix | Shanghai |
| 6 | 30 April–2 May | Miami Grand Prix | Miami |
| 7 | 21–23 May | Canadian Grand Prix | Montreal |
| 8 | 4–6 June | Monaco Grand Prix | Monte Carlo |
| 9 | 18–20 June | Portuguese Grand Prix | Portimão |
| 10 | 2–4 July | British Grand Prix | Silverstone |
| 11 | 9–11 July | Austrian Grand Prix | Red Bull Ring |
| 12 | 23–25 July | Belgian Grand Prix | Spa-Francorchamps |
| 13 | 30 July–1 August | Hungarian Grand Prix | Hungaroring |
| 14 | 3–5 September | Italian Grand Prix | Monza |
| 15 | 10–12 September | Spanish Grand Prix | Madring |
| 16 | 24–25 September | Azerbaijan Grand Prix | Baku |
| 17 | 1–3 October | Turkish Grand Prix | Istanbul Park |
| 18 | 8–10 October | Singapore Grand Prix | Marina Bay |
| 19 | 22–24 October | United States Grand Prix | Circuits of the Americas |
| 20 | 29–31 October | Mexico City Grand Prix | Mexico City |
| 21 | 12–14 November | São Paulo Grand Prix | Interlagos |
| 22 | 19–21 November | Las Vegas Grand Prix | Las Vegas |
| 23 | 3–5 December | Qatar Grand Prix | Lusail |
| 24 | 10–12 December | Abu Dhabi Grand Prix | Yas Island |
The calendar remains provisional and Formula 1’s final decision will depend heavily on developments in the Middle East. The championship intends to retain 24 Grands Prix in 2027, but the locations and order of the opening rounds could still change if its contingency plan must be activated.
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