The Chinese Grand Prix is emerging as a possible candidate to open the 2027 Formula 1 season, with Shanghai potentially taking an unprecedented place at the front of the calendar if the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran continues into the autumn and winter.
According to Jon Noble of respected British publication The Race, Formula 1 is considering alternative arrangements because of the uncertainty surrounding Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, while construction work on a new pit building at Melbourne’s Albert Park also complicates the usual options. Shanghai has never previously hosted the opening round of a Formula 1 World Championship.
Chinese GP gains ground as potential 2027 F1 season opener
Shanghai International Circuit joined the Formula 1 calendar in 2004 and remained towards the end of the season until 2008. The Chinese Grand Prix even staged the final round of the 2005 World Championship before moving to a spring date from 2009 onwards.
That position on the calendar could now work in China’s favour. Difficulties surrounding Bahrain, combined with the redevelopment of the Melbourne paddock, mean Shanghai is increasingly being considered as a possible starting point for the 2027 campaign.
Liberty Media’s preferred scenario remains a Middle Eastern double-header. Under that plan, Bahrain would stage the opening race at Sakhir on 14 March, followed by Saudi Arabia at Jeddah on 21 March. Formula 1 would then have a one-week break before travelling east for three consecutive Grands Prix in Australia, Japan and China on 4, 11 and 18 April respectively.
Liberty Media prepares alternative 2027 F1 calendar plan
If the conflict affecting the Persian Gulf region has not been resolved, however, Formula 1 would need to activate an alternative plan. Melbourne is unlikely to be able to reclaim its traditional position as the season opener because work on the new pit building is not expected to be completed in time for a March event.
The contingency scenario would therefore see Shanghai open the championship, followed immediately by Suzuka. Melbourne could then complete a run of three consecutive races at the end of March or remain on its provisional 4 April date as a standalone event.
The hope would then be to continue with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia if the situation had improved sufficiently. Formula 1 would nevertheless need further alternatives should instability continue into the opening months of 2027. The wider uncertainty is already forcing Liberty Media to consider several contingency scenarios for the 2026 and 2027 F1 calendars.
If Shanghai did open the season, it would mark the first time Formula 1 had begun a championship in China. It would also, according to the scenario outlined, represent the first season opener since the 1995 Brazilian Grand Prix not to be held at either Albert Park or Sakhir.
Qatar and Abu Dhabi decisions loom for end of 2026 season
The immediate concern, however, is the closing phase of the current championship. The international political situation remains highly fluid, meaning Formula 1 must soon determine what to do with the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.
Speaking to F1TV at Zandvoort, Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali clarified that both races remain on the schedule. He also noted that the final grandstand tickets for the Yas Marina event were still formally available for sale.
A decision will need to be made by the end of September. Beyond that point, Liberty Media would have little room to delay without risking a repeat of what happened in April, when Formula 1 organisers were left without enough time to arrange replacement events after Middle Eastern races were cancelled because of the war.
The current 2026 Formula 1 calendar is therefore still dependent on how the geopolitical situation develops during the coming weeks.
Imola remains an option for the 2026 F1 season finale
If the conflict remains unresolved or the current stalemate continues, Imola remains the clear candidate to bring the 2026 Formula 1 season to a close.
According to The Race, the Italian circuit could be placed after the Las Vegas Grand Prix, producing a 22-race championship and giving Formula 1 a European alternative should Qatar and Abu Dhabi ultimately be unable to go ahead.
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