Formula 1 has been forced to reconsider its 2026 calendar due to the ongoing conflict in the Persian Gulf, which began in March and remains unresolved. During the Austrian Grand Prix weekend at Spielberg, key meetings were held to determine the best way to complete the championship following the cancellation—or more accurately, the postponement—of several races scheduled in the region.
According to reports from Marca, Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of Formula 1, is pushing for a solution that would move the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to December 20 while also rescheduling the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was originally set to take place in April. Under this proposal, the season would conclude with three consecutive races in the Middle East—Qatar, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi—creating a dramatic finale to the championship.
However, recent developments, including Iranian attacks on U.S. vessels and the subsequent American missile strikes, have once again raised serious concerns about the safety of holding events in the region during November and December.
A final decision, taking into account logistics, event organization, ticket sales, travel arrangements and hotel bookings, is expected within the next three weeks during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend. If Liberty Media’s preferred option is approved, the season would end with four consecutive race weekends, beginning with Las Vegas before the championship heads to the Middle East.
Alternative plans if racing in the Gulf becomes impossible
If returning to the Persian Gulf proves too risky—particularly because several German companies, along with DHL, Audi and Mercedes, are reportedly unwilling to operate in a conflict zone—Formula 1 is evaluating two alternative scenarios.
The first option would see the championship conclude with a double-header in Las Vegas, reducing the total number of races from the originally planned 24 to 21. In this scenario, all four Grands Prix scheduled in the Arab countries would be cancelled, while a second event would be added in Nevada. This solution is considered attractive because the Las Vegas circuit is promoted directly by Formula One Management, which has a strong commercial interest in maximizing the value of the event.
The possibility of a return to Europe with Barcelona in the spotlight
The second alternative would involve bringing the championship back to Europe by adding two replacement Grands Prix, with Portimão and, in a surprising twist, a second race at Barcelona emerging as the leading candidates.
Under this scenario, the two European events would not be required to pay the traditional hosting fee and could benefit from significant fan attendance, particularly if one of the races ended up deciding the Formula 1 World Championship. This solution would result in a 22-race calendar for the 2026 season.
Although this remains the least likely option at the moment, it is still being actively discussed as Formula 1 evaluates every possible contingency.
The situation remains highly fluid, and Formula 1 must act quickly in an effort to preserve the originally planned 24-race calendar while ensuring the safety of everyone involved in the championship.
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