Where could F1 race if it cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabia?

With tensions in the Middle East rising sharply amid the recent conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran, F1 faces the real prospect of upheaval in its early-season schedule.

Whilst the impact on the F1 calendar pales in comparison to the broader crisis and must be kept within perspective, the championship may have to act quickly and decisively to prevent a month-long gap forming only three rounds into the campaign.

Both the Bahrain Grand Prix (scheduled for 12 April) and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (19 April) are currently at risk, with the FIA and F1 management stressing they are "closely monitoring" the situation through the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

President of the motorsport governing body, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, emphasised in a statement that "safety and wellbeing will guide" the decision-making process, and F1 is already looking at contingency plans in case those rounds remain untenable.

There have been strikes on both nations since the situation escalated over the weekend, and it is not the first time conflict in the region has affected motorsport.

As recently as the 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, when the immediate aftermath of missile attacks near the Jeddah Corniche Circuit was seen during practice, leading to F1 considering cancelling the rest of the round.

The 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix was pulled from the calendar due to political unrest in the country, and this latest conflict has already seen the Pirelli tyre test with McLaren and Mercedes at the Bahrain International Circuit called off.

Thankfully, all personnel have been reported safe, but given the increasingly narrow window before the two April rounds, F1 may need to pivot if the situation deteriorates further — or does not improve. However, it is worth noting that it does have at least a couple of weeks to play with.

If that does come to pass, the championship will most likely look to replace one, if not both, of the events. But where could step in at the last minute?

Emilia Romagna Grand Prix - Imola

The most likely destination to step in is Imola, which hosted the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix as recently as last year.

Having returned to the F1 calendar as a COVID-19 replacement in 2020, it was ultimately dropped in favour of having two grands prix in Spain, with F1’s inaugural trip to Madrid coming up later in the campaign.

Temperatures in April will be in the mid-teens (°C), which is cool by F1 standards, but not unworkable, and logistically it makes sense as teams can drive the required freight to the circuit.

Portuguese Grand Prix - Portimao

The Algarve International Circuit in Portimao last hosted F1 in 2021, with two Portuguese Grands Prix also staged as pandemic relief.

It is also confirmed to return to the world championship in future years (2027 and 2028) under a new contract, but could serve as a practical short-term substitute in 2026.

Already a fan and driver favourite for its undulation and classic features, Portimao could conveniently work with Imola as a double-header, and it has reliable Mediterranean-influenced weather in April, typically warm and dry.

Turkish Grand Prix - Istanbul Park

Istanbul Park is renowned for its flowing corners and the iconic multi-apex Turn 8, and was last on the calendar in 2021, having also returned as a COVID-19 stand-in (there is a theme here…).

But whilst it is pushing for a return, it has not been included since, and will be hard-pressed to be a substitute now.

Whilst a compelling choice, the weather in north-western Türkiye in April is often cool and wet, and F1 saw how the field struggled when the Turkish Grand Prix was run in October for those two comeback seasons.

German Grand Prix - Nurburgring/Hockenheim

The Nurburgring has a deep motorsport heritage, and last hosted a round on the F1 calendar as the Eifel Grand Prix in 2020. Before that, the modern circuit staged German Grands Prix under an alternating deal with Hockenheim, including as late as 2013. 

April in the Eifel region can be notably cold and wet, even snowy at times — presenting a significant challenge for tyre warm-up and performance. Logistically, however, the circuit lies well within Europe’s racing infrastructure, which would simplify freight and staffing compared with overseas alternatives.

Hockenheim, which was the traditional home of the German Grand Prix for decades, last appeared on the F1 calendar in 2019, but the weather risk in April is similar to that at the Nürburgring. Like its counterpart, the logistical footprint would be minimal for European-based operations.

French Grand Prix - Paul Ricard

Circuit Paul Ricard last hosted the French Grand Prix in 2022, and F1 not having a round in the country that founded what has become the modern-day FIA, and where 'grand prix' derives from, feels strange.

Though not necessarily a fan favourite or known for exceptional races, its climate in April tends toward warm, stable conditions.

And the venue, situated in the south of France, could team up with either Imola or Portimao — or even one of the German options — making it a logistically prudent choice.

Malaysia Grand Prix - Sepang

The romantics' choice, and not because this was written from Kuala Lumpur airport, the Sepang International Circuit remains a beloved track among many in the paddock and fanbase, despite not hosting a round since 2017.

The Malaysian Grand Prix in April would, however, offer a tropical climatic challenge — hot, humid and prone to sudden thunderstorms — and F1 is not as well equipped to race in those conditions as it was 25 years ago, when it first hosted a round at this point of the year.

But, whilst the freight costs might be greater than one of the European options, it would offer F1 something that feels both new and nostalgic.