Formula 1 News: Barcelona offers F1 calendar help as Middle East war rages
(GMM) Barcelona (pictured) has offered to step in if Formula 1 needs another replacement race as the 2026 calendar comes under renewed pressure. The championship is trying to preserve at least a 22-race season. . .
(GMM) Barcelona (pictured) has offered to step in if Formula 1 needs another replacement race as the 2026 calendar comes under renewed pressure. The championship is trying to preserve at least a 22-race season after the cancellation of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, but renewed conflict in the Middle East has made the return of Bahrain increasingly uncertain. With Qatar and Abu Dhabi also still to come later this year, Formula 1 is understood to be exploring contingency options. Editor’s Note: The renewal of hostilities in recent days, with both Iran and the US launching strikes has thrown any planned race in the Middle East in doubt. Though mediated talks between the two warring nations reportedly continue, the US has declared the truce “over”. Bahrain has been targeted by recent rounds of Iranian strikes, as has Qatar. Formula 1’s worst-case scenario would be rescheduling the Bahrain race or planning to go to Qatar and Abu Dhabi and making the costly logistical plans only to have to cancel at the very last minute. Sea freight arriving via the Strait of Hormuz will be a key complicating factor in deciding whether the races can go ahead. WhileIstanbulhas again expressed interest, reports suggest the circuit would first require upgrades before it could host Formula 1 again. The preferred alternative is understood to be a second race at an existing venue – such as Baku or Singapore – although teams are reportedly cool on that idea. If an entirely new replacement becomes necessary, Portimao, Imola and Barcelona are all considered realistic European options. Catalonia’s regional business minister Miquel Samper says Barcelona would be ready to help. Miquel Samper“When the Dana storm forced the relocation of the Valencian MotoGP, Barcelona showed that in just eleven days it could put on one of the most beautiful races in history,” he told Diario Sport. “If they ask us, we will help them. ”Related Article:Formula 1 News: Barcelona not giving up on permanent F1 future