F1 2026 calendar in turmoil: more rounds in doubt, Europe fights back. The 2026 F1 calendar faces uncertainty as Middle Eastern and intercontinental rounds are in doubt..

The face of Formula 1 in 2026 is changing not only technically, but also geographically. While the paddock enjoys the spectacle in Shanghai, behind the scenes a battle over future race dates is intensifying. The Middle Eastern rounds in Bahrain and Jeddah seem firmly entrenched as key pillars of Stefano Domenicali’s business strategy, but other historic and modern circuits are feeling the ground shift beneath them. Pressure for a return to the roots, with a renewed focus on European tracks, is becoming a central topic in contemporary Formula 1.

Contract uncertainty and tracks on shaky ground

Not all intercontinental trips can rest easy: the packed calendar has pushed Liberty Media to make a harsh natural selection. Several highly delicate contractual situations could spark a revolution as early as 2027. The issue is not just about hosting fees, but also infrastructure standards and the ability to generate the glamorous appeal that the American owners demand. Some circuits have shaped recent F1 history, but today risk being cut if they fail to quickly meet the new economic and logistical requirements of the sport. Currently, attention is on a few Asian and American rounds that failed to achieve the expected “sold-out” status, opening opportunities for other tracks waiting in the wings.

The great comeback: Europe’s “old school” circuits fight back

While some venues risk cancellation, there is also a sense of revival that excites Ferrari fans and motorsport purists alike. The FIA is carefully considering the permanent reintroduction of circuits that marked golden eras of racing. “We are seeing a kind of reversal: fan nostalgia and the need for tracks that highlight the chassis performance of the new cars is bringing European candidates back into the spotlight, some of which seemed forgotten. These are venues that offer a unique atmosphere and, thanks to new private investments, could host a Grand Prix either on a rotating basis or permanently. The goal is to balance the profits from new markets with the tradition that only the Old Continent can offer Formula 1. The future calendar could therefore be a mix of extreme modernity and deep roots, where the prestige of a podium at Monza or Spa is as valuable as the lights of Las Vegas.”

The evolution of the 2026 F1 calendar reflects the sport’s ongoing struggle to balance commercial growth with its historical identity. As the selection process tightens, the survival of legendary tracks will depend on their ability to modernize without losing the soul that makes a Grand Prix truly special for fans worldwide.