New Possibility Emerges For 2027 Formula 1 Calendar Opener

With the 2027 Formula 1 calendar still uncertain, organisers are preparing a number of contingency plans ahead of next season.

Formula 1 is preparing for both the end of the 2026 season and the start of 2027, with uncertainty in the Middle East forcing the sport to consider alternative scheduling options.

Middle East Races Still A Concern

The conflict between the United States and Iran has already led to the cancellation of this year’s Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races, and F1 must decide by the end of September whether the planned finales in Qatar and Abu Dhabi can safely proceed.

Although Stefano Domenicali recently said the calendar was “confirmed”, this referred only to the intention to race there, not a final green light.

Should tensions remain unresolved, F1 is expected to drop both events and instead conclude the season at Imola in December, likely two weeks after Las Vegas.

Options On The Table For 2027 Formula 1 Calendar

The same geopolitical situation is delaying the release of the 2027 Formula 1 calendar.

F1 normally publishes the following year’s schedule during the summer, but promoters have been left waiting as the sport assesses whether opening the season in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will be viable.

The preferred plan is a March start featuring back‑to‑back races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, followed by a triple‑header in Australia, Japan and China.

However, if racing in the Middle East is still impossible, China is poised to become the 2027 season opener, followed by Japan.

Australia cannot move earlier than April due to ongoing construction work on its new pit building, meaning Melbourne would slot in after the Asian rounds.

F1 will then need to decide whether to attempt to place Bahrain and Saudi Arabia later in April or push them deeper into the season by adjusting other events.

Domenicali has stressed that the sport will deliver a full programme regardless of circumstances, saying: “We have different plans with different options… we will keep the target of 24 grand prix also for next year.”