Peace between the US and Iran brings the F1 finale closer, but this circuit is on standby

Before the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi—the intended finale of the 2026 F1 season—are definitively kept on the calendar, Formula 1 and the FIA first want the certainty that the situation in the Middle East has fully normalised, GPblog understands. The last thing the sport wants is to cancel the races at the very last moment due to a resurgence of hostilities.

In any case, Formula 1 can only go to Qatar and Abu Dhabi if it is completely safe. This is partly due to insurance-related reasons. Moreover, they want to avoid incurring enormous costs for shipping all equipment, only to have no revenue if there is a late cancellation. Formula 1 also definitely does not want cars and team members to end up stuck in the Middle East if the war flares up again.

Around the summer break, Formula 1 hopes to have more clarity on whether the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi can go ahead. Everything depends on whether the provisional agreement between Iran and the United States holds and leads to a final deal. If that happens, it is not even out of the question that one of the previously canceled races in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain could be made up during the current season. There is potentially room for one race between the scheduled events in Baku and Singapore.

If Formula 1 is unable to return to the Middle East for the remainder of the season, the idea is to hold an additional Grand Prix elsewhere. Although the circuit in Turkey is often cited as the primary destination, GPblog heard in Barcelona last weekend that the focus is chiefly on a race in Portimao.

The Portuguese Grand Prix is set to be held there from 2027, but the Algarve track may already lend a helping hand this year. Portimao has a permanent circuit, which makes it relatively easy to host a race at the last minute. Portugal also hosted Formula 1 during the COVID period.