Home / Sports / F1 Eyes Portugal as Middle East Races Face Uncertainty
F1 Eyes Portugal as Middle East Races Face Uncertainty
5 Jul
Summary
- Formula 1 may shift season finale to Portimão, Portugal.
- Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix are candidates for cancellation.
- Previous F1 races were cancelled in April due to regional conflict.
Formula 1 is exploring Portugal's Portimão circuit as a potential replacement venue for the season's final two Grands Prix. This contingency plan is being considered should the races scheduled for November 29 in Qatar and December 6 in Abu Dhabi be unable to proceed due to escalating conflict in the Middle East. The sport has already experienced disruptions, with the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix being cancelled earlier this year in April because of regional hostilities.
Circuit executives have previously utilized Portimão as an alternate host during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Notably, the Algarve circuit is slated to rejoin the F1 calendar permanently in 2027 and 2028. Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali has indicated a willingness to potentially reschedule postponed Middle Eastern races later in the year, contingent on geopolitical stability. According to reports, the Bahrain Grand Prix is favored for a potential rescheduling, with a decision anticipated before the sport's mid-season break.
