Jul.18 (GMM) Formula 1 is drawing up multiple contingency plans as renewed conflict in the Middle East throws the final months of the 2026 calendar back into doubt.
The sport had hoped to reschedule the postponed Bahrain GP later this year, but the renewal of the Middle East conflict has forced Formula One Management to reconsider, with Portimao and even a second race at Baku now under discussion.
Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali admitted at Spa that time is running short.
“Being an optimist by nature, I’d say the situation is interesting, but being objective, it’s complex,” he told Sky Italia.
“Our goal is to confirm the calendar we have and also try to make up for a race we missed during the most heated months of the Middle East conflict.”
“We’ll wait until the last minute, but when we make a decision, we’ll do so knowing the risks. The safety of the people who work in our system and those who come to the grands prix remains the priority.”
“We’re certainly approaching the deadline to make a decision. Obviously, we’re not out of the woods.
“We have several options.”
Viaplay commentator Nelson Valkenburg said Formula 1’s options were being discussed with the teams at Spa.
“There are a lot of conversations going on,” he said. “On Saturday there is a meeting between the teams and the FOM to talk about this.”
Valkenburg said Formula 1 had been close to confirming a replacement date for Bahrain before the latest escalation in the Middle East.
“That opportunity seems to have been lost,” he said. “They are also concerned about Qatar and Abu Dhabi.”
He said Portimao is now emerging as one possible contingency.
“There are also other possibilities to do two races in a row in Baku, because the FOM wants to reach 21 or 22 races.”
“That is important for the broadcasters, but apparently also for a number of sponsors of Formula 1. They are going to postpone the end of the year for as long as possible in the hope that we can go to Qatar and Abu Dhabi.”
