The end of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar is still far from being definitively set: while geopolitical uncertainties persist in the Middle East, Liberty Media is studying several alternative scenarios, ranging from a second race in Las Vegas to an unexpected return to a European circuit like Portimão.
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Formula 1 continues to work on different options to organize the end of its championship. The Grands Prix of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, postponed earlier this year, could still be reintegrated into the calendar, but the evolving geopolitical situation in the region is pushing the sport’s leaders to prepare several backup solutions.
The favored scenario remains maintaining a stop in the Middle East, with the events in Bahrain, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. This option would simply require a rescheduling of the calendar rather than a definitive removal of the concerned events.
Urgent to wait
However, recent military exchanges between Iran and the United States increase uncertainties about the possibility of organizing these races under sufficient security conditions by November.
Formula 1 does not intend, however, to make a rushed decision: “The decision, due to logistical constraints, organization, ticket sales as well as travel and hotel bookings, will not be rushed and could be postponed until after the summer,” said a source close to FOM.
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The issue was widely discussed during the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone. Team principals were notably informed that, without sufficient guarantees by the Hungarian Grand Prix, Formula 1 might be forced to definitively abandon the idea of a return to the Middle East this season.
Twice Las Vegas rather than once
Faced with this situation, several alternatives are now under study: the first would be to organize a second Grand Prix in Las Vegas. The American street circuit, directly promoted by Formula 1, could thus host an additional race to compensate for some of the canceled events.
Turkey would also be eager to bring F1 back to the Istanbul Otodrom, possibly during the free weekend between the Baku and Singapore rounds. Another possibility would be to conclude the season in southern Europe, where weather conditions would remain more favorable at the end of the year. Portimão is thus expected to return to the calendar, while the Barcelona circuit could host a second round.
A final decision could be made in the coming weeks to allow teams enough time to organize the last part of the season. However, F1 could choose to wait until the end of the summer break if negotiations between Iran and the United States allow a significant improvement of the situation in the Middle East during July.
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