F1 lines up alternative venues for 2027 calendar with Zandvoort and Imola on standby

The calendar is expected to be formally announced on Wednesday following an e-vote at the World Motor Sport Council on Monday. While Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain listed to close the season, and F1 teams have already received firm private guarantees about the region, there are proposed slots in the schedule where replacement races could be added without overhauling the full schedule.

Zandvoort's presence on the contingency list stands out. The Dutch circuit hosted what was billed as its final grand prix just weeks ago, on 23 August, after the promoter chose not to extend beyond its contract. Verstappen won there three times and the event became synonymous with his orange army, yet if the backup slots are activated, his former home race could make one more surprise appearance.

Barcelona, which is taking a one-year break from the calendar before an expected return in 2028, and Imola, separately understood to be the leading option for a potential December replacement finale, complete the shortlist. All three venues have recent F1-grade infrastructure and could be brought online at short notice.

The provisional schedule also creates complications beyond the Middle East question. The proposed Portuguese Grand Prix dates would clash directly with the 24 Hours of Le Mans, while the Austrian Grand Prix would overlap with the 24 Hours of Spa. For Verstappen, who recently said his endurance racing plans depend entirely on the F1 calendar, the clashes could stall ambitions he has pursued for years. "It would be nice, of course," the four-time world champion said last week. "If I participate, I want to do it my way."

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has stressed the sport's readiness for multiple outcomes. "We have different plans with different options already in place that will accommodate the fact that we will keep, in any case, the target of 24 races also for next year," he said during the summer break. A final decision on the Middle Eastern rounds is expected by the end of September.