Formula 1 officials announced on July 5, 2026, that the series aims to decide before the upcoming summer break whether to reinstate one of the postponed Middle Eastern races.
The events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were canceled in March following regional hostilities, prompting contingency planning for the remaining calendar.
Formula 1 Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali expressed optimism regarding the potential return of the races following the signing of a recent ceasefire agreement.
The series intends to fit the recovered event into a one-week gap between the Azerbaijan and Singapore rounds this September.
"I really hope that we can have all the conditions - safety first, of course, for all our people - that we can go there," said Domenicali.
Domenicali explained that any addition to the current schedule relies heavily on timing and logistical feasibility.
He noted that the organization remains prepared to act if the situation allows.
"If there is something that we can announce related to the possibility if there is any space for what has not been run so far, we're going to do it.
In the right moment and in the right conditions," he said.
The management emphasized that scheduling adjustments must occur before the August hiatus to manage international logistics. Reinstating the event represents a primary goal for the sport's leadership.
"I think that the gap to do the eventual possibility of recovering one of the races that we have not done, we need to do it before the summer break," said Domenicali.
In addition to the August deadline, Formula 1 developed alternative backup plans involving the Portimao circuit in Portugal should late-season venues face disruption.
A separate final decision regarding the year-end races must be reached by mid-September.
"It is the duty of a good organiser or promoter to make sure there are plans in place," said Domenicali.
Domenicali reiterated that the concluding events remain scheduled for Qatar and Abu Dhabi as long as regional conditions remain stable.
The sport looks to project stability through its final calendar selections.
"We're monitoring the situation, because holding these races would send an incredibly positive signal not only for the sport but also for politics, and we're moving in that direction," he said.
The executive concluded by stating that the decision for the final portion of the seasonal schedule must meet a tight operational timeline.
"With regard to the end of the year, for us that's in place and the decision has to be made by the middle of September," said Domenicali.
Team leadership expressed compliance with any decisions finalized by the governing bodies at Silverstone. Team bosses noted that navigating the shifting calendar remains manageable despite logistical difficulties.
"I think ultimately Stefano and the FIA are going to work through the calendar, so we'll race what they tell us we're racing and we'll be happy to do that," said Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren.
Other team principals supported the ongoing collaborative efforts between the teams and motorsport officials to resolve the schedule.
The paddock remains aligned regarding calendar uncertainties.
"Honestly, I think we are all in the same boat, between teams, FOM and FIA," said Frederic Vasseur, Team Principal of Ferrari.
Vasseur noted that the collective desire within the paddock is to maximize racing opportunities safely under the guidance of the sport's authorities.
"We all want to go to races and we all want to race again and more, but it is like it is.
We have huge trust in the FIA and FOM on the calendar," said Vasseur.
The Ferrari director concluded by affirming his confidence in the ongoing decision-making process handled by the organizers.
"They are working hard to find solutions and I'm really convinced that they are doing the best," said Vasseur.
