F1 sees one last chance to have Bahrain or Saudi Arabia on the 2026 calendar

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali told L'Équipe that there is an emergency plan. "I don't want to go into detail on that. Whether it's about the end of the season or potentially replacing one or both races: the decision will be made in the coming months, when the right moment has come. To be honest, I think it will be impossible to replace both races. Even replacing one will already be difficult. There aren't many free dates available," said the Italian.

"I can confirm that we have a contingency plan. And if the two end-of-year races cannot take place because the war is not over, we will have other alternatives," said Domenicali. He then confirmed that the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which will be held on November 22, will in any case not be the last race on the calendar. There were some recent rumors that the Saudi Arabian GP would be scheduled for December 6, and that Abu Dhabi would then move to December 13.

GPblog understands, however, that if Formula 1 still wants to slot in the Bahrain or Saudi Arabian Grand Prix somewhere, it will happen between Baku and Singapore. That would mean that one of those two races would be held on October 4. However, it could only happen under a single condition: first there must be a full and lasting truce between the United States and Iran. A few days ago the US and Iran signaled that the ceasefire would be extended, but the US is now carrying out airstrikes on southern Iran again.

Due to Formula 1's busy schedule, which will enter the European part of the season in June, accompanied by double and triple headers, the possibilities to replace one of the canceled Grands Prix are quite limited. Organizing a race at another circuit in Europe also proved impossible. Imola and Portimão were open to it, but the Portuguese circuit already had a full calendar. A return to the Nürburgring is off the table as well if Formula 1 sees the circuit only as an emergency solution.

The free weekend between the Grands Prix of Baku and Singapore now seems to be the only option, with the teams then able to fly from Azerbaijan to the Middle East, and then on to Singapore. Logistically it’s somewhat on the route, which means the plan could work. It also prevents an extension of the Formula 1 schedule, which seems to be the least attractive option for all parties anyway.