Formula 1 could still restore its original 24-race vision for the 2026 season, with ongoing discussions reportedly centered around the possible return of the Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix later in the year.
After both Middle Eastern events were removed from the early part of the championship calendar due to regional instability and security concerns, Formula 1 management, the FIA and Liberty Media have continued evaluating multiple contingency plans designed to recover at least part of the lost schedule.
While the current working calendar remains shorter than initially planned, the possibility of reintroducing races at the Bahrain International Circuit or the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is still understood to be very much alive.
The situation remains highly dependent on geopolitical developments, logistical feasibility and negotiations with Formula 1 teams, promoters and commercial partners.
Formula 1 exploring several calendar scenarios for 2026 season
According to Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, several alternative calendar structures are already being examined internally as the sport attempts to preserve commercial stability and maintain a balanced championship schedule.
One of the most discussed solutions reportedly involves placing the Bahrain Grand Prix between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku and the Singapore Grand Prix later in the season. Another option could see the final phase of the Formula 1 calendar extended into December in order to create room for either Bahrain or Saudi Arabia.
Additional ideas have also reportedly been considered behind the scenes, including the possibility of organizing back-to-back race weekends in Las Vegas. Because the Las Vegas Grand Prix is directly promoted by Formula 1 itself through Liberty Media, that scenario could provide greater scheduling flexibility compared to more traditional promoter agreements.
However, modifying a modern Formula 1 calendar is an enormously complex operation. Every alteration impacts freight logistics, team travel schedules, personnel management, broadcasting agreements and local race promoters.
For that reason, Formula 1 leadership appears determined to avoid rushed decisions despite increasing pressure to finalize the calendar before the summer period.
Stefano Domenicali signals caution over Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GP return
The former Ferrari team boss reportedly indicated that Formula 1’s priority remains broader global stability rather than simply recovering race weekends. The Italian executive suggested that contingency plans already exist, although Formula 1 hopes they ultimately will not need to activate emergency scheduling measures.
According to Stefano Domenicali, the deadlines associated with potentially replacing the cancelled spring races differ significantly from the logistical decisions connected to the closing weeks of the season in November and December.
He also reportedly emphasized that Formula 1 continues coordinating closely with teams and event organizers because even a single calendar adjustment creates a long chain of operational consequences across the championship.
The Formula 1 paddock is therefore waiting for clarity as Liberty Media and the FIA attempt to determine whether conditions will allow Bahrain or Saudi Arabia to safely return later in 2026.
Liberty Media preparing for reduced Formula 1 schedule
Despite the possibility of additional races being reintroduced, Liberty Media executives have acknowledged that current financial and operational projections are still based around a reduced Formula 1 calendar.
During recent discussions with investors, Liberty Media chief financial officer Brian Wendling reportedly explained that the organization is presently working under the assumption of a 22-race Formula 1 season.
Nevertheless, Liberty Media still appears interested in relocating one of the postponed races to the second half of the championship if conditions improve sufficiently in the coming months.
Liberty Media CEO Derek Chang reportedly echoed that position, suggesting that Formula 1 management continues evaluating all available alternatives while aiming to make a final decision as quickly as possible.
The goal is to provide teams with maximum preparation time for freight planning, staffing and technical scheduling during the demanding final stages of the 2026 Formula 1 campaign.
Potential impact on Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc
Any expansion of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar would further increase pressure on teams and drivers already facing one of the most physically and logistically demanding schedules in motorsport history.
For Scuderia Ferrari, additional long-haul races could become especially significant as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc continue adapting to an increasingly competitive championship fight against McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull Racing.
The possible return of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia could also influence the development race throughout the second half of the season, particularly because both circuits place unique demands on tire management, aerodynamic efficiency and power unit performance.
As Formula 1 prepares for a crucial regulatory transition period ahead of the 2027 technical rules discussions, maintaining calendar stability has become a major priority for both the FIA and Liberty Media.
For now, the Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix remain officially uncertain — but behind the scenes, Formula 1 appears determined to keep every option on the table.
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