Calendar Explainer

What Could Replace Bahrain and Saudi Arabia on the 2026 F1 Calendar?

If the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix are dropped from the 2026 calendar, what are the realistic replacement options? This page reviews what's being discussed, what's practical, and why "no replacement" may be the most likely outcome.

Why Replacements Are Difficult

Organising a Formula 1 Grand Prix requires months of preparation. Finding a replacement at short notice — potentially just weeks before the scheduled race — presents extraordinary challenges:

  • Freight and logistics. F1 moves over 1,400 tonnes of equipment between races. Rerouting sea freight and air cargo at short notice is expensive and operationally complex.
  • Ticketing and fan travel. Selling tickets, processing visas, and allowing fans to book travel requires lead time that simply may not exist.
  • Staffing and infrastructure. Circuits need marshals, medical staff, broadcast crews, and hospitality teams — all of whom need notice.
  • Promoter economics. Hosting an F1 race costs tens of millions. Promoters need time to sell sponsorships, hospitality, and corporate packages to recoup costs.
  • Weather and calendar fit. April dates limit venue options. Northern European circuits may face unpredictable spring weather.

Replacement Options

Portimão (Portugal)

Low Likelihood

Portimão hosted F1 in 2020 and 2021 and is confirmed for the 2027 and 2028 calendars. This makes it an operationally credible circuit with recent F1 experience.

What makes it plausible
  • FIA Grade 1 circuit with recent F1 infrastructure
  • Confirmed 2027–2028 deal suggests active relationship with F1
  • Mild April climate in the Algarve
What makes it difficult
  • No official indication of 2026 activation
  • Ticketing, hospitality, and staffing need lead time
  • Commercial terms would need rapid negotiation

Imola (Italy)

Low Likelihood

Imola returned to the calendar in 2020 and hosted the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix through 2024. It's a European venue with recent operational experience.

What makes it plausible
  • Recent calendar presence and operational familiarity
  • Geographically practical for European freight routing
  • Established F1 infrastructure and fan base
What makes it difficult
  • No current F1 contract for 2026
  • Short-notice commercial and ticketing complexity
  • April weather in northern Italy can be unpredictable

Suzuka Double-Header

Low Likelihood

With Suzuka already on the calendar for March 27–29, some have suggested adding a second race weekend in Japan to fill the gap.

What makes it plausible
  • Circuit already prepared and staffed for the season
  • Avoids freight rerouting to a different continent
  • Japan is a strong F1 market with high fan demand
What makes it difficult
  • Extends time away for teams, staff, and media
  • Operational burden of consecutive weekends at one venue
  • Commercial appeal of a second race at the same circuit is lower
  • Staff welfare increasingly a priority for F1

No Replacement

Most Likely Outcome

Reuters has reported that replacement races are unlikely at this short notice. A 22-race season would still meet F1's commercial and broadcast obligations.

What makes it plausible
  • Avoids all short-notice operational complexity
  • 22 races still satisfies broadcast and sponsorship commitments
  • Gives teams and staff a rare mid-season break
  • Precedent: 2020 season ran with 17 races after COVID disruption
What makes it difficult
  • Loss of two hosting fees — particularly the high Saudi fee
  • Creates a five-week gap in the calendar
  • Reduces total race content for fans and broadcasters

Calendar Impact

Removing Bahrain (April 10–12) and Saudi Arabia (April 17–19) would create a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix (March 27–29) and the Miami Grand Prix (May 1–3).

This would be the longest mid-season break in the modern F1 calendar — unusual, but not unprecedented. The COVID-affected 2020 season had several extended gaps, and teams used them for development and recovery.

A 22-race season would still be longer than any pre-2021 calendar. Commercial and broadcast obligations would remain fulfilled, though the loss of two high-fee races would have financial implications for F1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bahrain & Saudi Status Update

Live status tracker with the latest confirmed information and key decision dates.

View Status What Should Ticket Holders Do?

Practical guide for fans with bookings — refunds, insurance, and next steps.

Read Guide 2026 F1 Race Calendar

View the full 2026 schedule including all confirmed dates.

View Calendar

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