F1 exploring extra race options after Middle East cancellations

F1 and the FIA are looking at the possibility of adding at least one grand prix to this season's calendar following the cancellation of the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia last month, with both events in the running for a return.

The war in the Middle East that led to Iran attacking its neighbours in the region left F1 and the FIA with no alternative but to announce that the two grands prix "cannot go ahead in April". The wording left a degree of wriggle room for a slot later in the year.

At the time, it was felt, however, that due to the congested nature of the calendar after the summer break, with 11 grands prix in 16 weekends, it would not be possible to accommodate alternatives.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali recently stated that "we may recover one". RacingNews365 has learned that the weekend of October 2-4, between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix, is under review.

It is understood that from the FIA's perspective, Bahrain is the favourable option, primarily as freight remains in the country. Officials in Saudi Arabia, however, are believed to be lobbying F1 hard over a reinstatement.

Additionally, a potential quadruple-header to conclude the season is being looked at, although there are numerous hurdles in the way.

The calendar would see Saudi Arabia squeezed in between Qatar and Abu Dhabi, which already follow Las Vegas. Abu Dhabi would take place one week later on December 13.

Logistically, it is feasible, but from a human resources standpoint, the strain on team personnel could push many to breaking point at the end of an already exhausting season.

A further concern centres around those fans who have already bought tickets, and paid for flights and hotels for the race in Abu Dhabi on the first weekend in December. Contractually, the event at the Yas Marina Circuit has to conclude the season, preventing Saudi Arabia from taking up the slot on the 13th.

Many puzzle pieces

Naturally, the overriding proviso for either Bahrain or Saudi Arabia to return is a conclusion to the war, but there is time. Sources with good knowledge of the situation have indicated that no decision would have to be made until the middle of August.

RacingNews365 understands that, contrary to initial belief, the race fees for the two grands prix, totalling around £100 million, have already been paid to F1. Such fees are paid in advance, and on this occasion, were done so before the decision to cancel was taken.

It means that from the perspective of the two countries, a considerable amount of money has been spent, with nothing to show for it.

Of course, if the war drags on, the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi would also be cancelled. That would reduce the calendar to 20 races, with the curtain closer in Las Vegas.

Again, all avenues are being explored. Silverstone even threw its hat into the ring recently to serve as a potential host at the tail end of the year. Realistically, it is a non-starter, along with every other venue in Europe, due to the weather at that time of the year.

Remotely, Turkey, which returns to the calendar full-time next season after signing a five-year deal through to 2031, could step in for the slot between Azerbaijan and Singapore. Logistically, it makes sense, but realistically, there are too many strings that require pulling for it to happen.

At this stage, F1 and the FIA have options, but many pieces of the puzzle have to fit into place first before the picture becomes clear.