Jun.30 (GMM) Formula 1 is considering increasingly dramatic alternatives for the end of the 2026 season as uncertainty persists over whether the championship can return to the Middle East.
Following last week’s reports that Formula 1 is waiting before deciding whether postponed Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix can be reinstated, fresh reports suggest multiple contingency plans are now under discussion.
According to Marca, Liberty Media’s preferred outcome remains to restore Bahrain while retaining the scheduled Qatar and Abu Dhabi races, effectively shifting the calendar rather than abandoning the Gulf altogether.
However, the Spanish newspaper says the latest military exchanges involving Iran and the United States have reinforced doubts about whether the region will be sufficiently stable by November.
Marca reports that no rushed decision will be taken.
“The decision, due to logistics, organisation, ticket sales and travel and hotel arrangements, will not be rushed and may be delayed until after the summer.”
The newspaper adds that a major concern is insurance, with German insurers linked to DHL, Mercedes and Audi reportedly unwilling to provide cover if the region is still considered an active conflict zone.
If Formula 1 cannot return to the Gulf, several alternative finales are reportedly being evaluated.
One option would be a double-header in the F1-promoted Las Vegas, with one additional race replacing the cancelled Middle East events.
Another possibility is a European finish featuring Portimao and even a second race at Barcelona.
Austria’s Osterreich says those alternatives were also discussed during the Spielberg weekend.
The newspaper reports that if there is still no certainty by the Belgian GP, Formula 1 could be forced to abandon plans to return to the Middle East altogether.
“DHL, Mercedes and the teams that send some of their equipment to the region by freighter are particularly opposed to the event taking place because the safety of their crew cannot be guaranteed,” the report said.
Osterreich added that Barcelona and Portimao are attractive alternatives because neither circuit would require a hosting fee, making them highly profitable options for Formula 1.
The report claimed a final decision could be made “in just over two weeks” to give teams enough time to plan the closing stages of the season.
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