F1 may turn to three tracks if US and Iran strikes cancel out two Grands Prix
As there continues to be uncertainty around the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, three alternative tracks are reportedly being considered
If the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix get cancelled because of the conflict between the USA, Israel and Iran, then F1 bosses could turn to Portugal, Italy and France to fill the void. The Pirelli wet tyre test in Bahrain was recently called off after Iranian retaliatory strikes were fired in the Bahraini capital Manama.
With strikes also landing in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, there is uncertainty around the Bahrain and Saudi Grands Prix, which take place in April. So far, F1 bosses are taking a wait-and-see approach to see if the conflict around the region calms down in time for the races. However, it's understood contingency plans are being considered should the Middle Eastern events not go ahead. F1 are understood to be "monitoring" the situation and are willing to work with the government's of those countries.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
FOLLOW OUR F1 FB PAGE! Get all the latest from our Formula 1 coverage via our dedicated Facebook page
According to F1 Insider, Portimao in Portugal, Imola in Italy and Le Castellet in France have been earmarked as potential alternative locations, should the Bahrain and Saudi Grands Prix be cancelled. In June 2027, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali described Imola as the "first reserve" track, should any event be cancelled. He told the Bologna newspaper Il Resto del Carlino: "If for any reason a venue were to fall through, we will return to Imola with our cars and our drivers."
The Italian track was dropped for the 2026 campaign with Madrid being drafted in instead. When the decision was taken, Domenicali suggested it could be brought back as early as 2027. If the conflict in the Middle East persists, the track being brought back a year earlier than expected appears to be a possibility.
Moreover, Portimao was last used in an F1 campaign in 2021, with the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal holding races in the 2020 and 2021 Coronavirus-affected calendars. F1 was expected to return to the Algarve for the 2027 and 2028 campaigns but, like Italy, may be brought back if the Middle Eastern events do not go ahead.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of Formula 1.
Sky broadcasts every practice, qualifier and race throughout the season, as well as exclusive coverage of the Premier League, EFL, darts and golf.
Meanwhile, Le Castellet has not held an F1 race since 2022, when Max Verstappen powered his way to victory. The venue had been brought back into the F1 fold in 2018, but after failing to secure a new contract, it was dropped from 2022 onwards.
This list of venues is not exhaustive, with many others also expected to be considered. No clear decision has been made in regards to those events.
In response to the uncertainty, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: "We are in close contact with our member clubs, championship promoters, teams and colleagues on the ground as we monitor developments carefully and responsibly.
"Safety and wellbeing will guide our decisions as we assess the forthcoming events scheduled there for the World Endurance Championship and the Formula One World Championship. Our organisation is built on unity and shared purpose. That unity matters now more than ever."
