Sep.15 (GMM) Another clue has emerged that Formula 1 is preparing to abandon Qatar and Abu Dhabi later this season, with Formula 2 unexpectedly expanding its upcoming Baku weekend to three races.
F2 was originally scheduled for 14 rounds this season, including Qatar and Abu Dhabi, but Baku will now feature two feature races and a sprint.
The official explanation from F2 CEO Bruno Michel is that the change is about “enhancing the spectacle for the public and our fans” because Formula 2 is the only support category in Azerbaijan.
But the timing has inevitably fuelled speculation that the feeder series is preparing for its season to finish earlier than planned.
F1 itself is still keeping the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races officially on the calendar, while Imola continues to be discussed behind the scenes as a December 6 replacement finale.
The situation is further complicated by emerging details of the provisional 2027 calendar.
Dutch portal F1Maximaal reports that the new calendar is expected to be formally announced on Wednesday, with Bahrain returning as the season opener and both Portugal and Turkey joining the schedule.
Portugal would return at Portimao, while Istanbul Park would also reappear, with Zandvoort dropping off and Barcelona absent under its new rotation arrangement.
The provisional calendar still lists Qatar and Abu Dhabi at the end of 2027, but the report says Formula 1 is already building contingency space into the season in case the Middle East conflict continues.
Two August weekends are reportedly being left available for replacement races, with Imola, Barcelona and Zandvoort among the possible options.
That could also have consequences for Max Verstappen’s expanding endurance plans.
On the provisional dates, the Portuguese GP would clash directly with the 24 Hours of Le Mans, while the Austrian GP would clash with the 24 Hours of Spa.
That would leave the Nurburgring 24 Hours as the only one of Verstappen’s three major endurance targets currently fitting cleanly around the F1 calendar.
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES