Domenicali sets August deadline to recover postponed Middle East race
Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali has confirmed the sport is targeting a decision before its summer break on whether to reinstate one of the two Middle Eastern races shelved earlier this year.
Both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were cancelled in March following US and Israeli military strikes on Iran. With a ceasefire now signed and a memorandum of understanding aimed at resolving the conflict within 60 days, F1 is cautiously optimistic about returning to the region.
"I really hope that we can have all the conditions — safety first, of course — that we can go there," Domenicali told Sky.
Bahrain the Likely Candidate
The most viable slot for a recovered race is a one-week gap between the Azerbaijan and Singapore rounds in September, with Bahrain considered the frontrunner. Domenicali stressed that any announcement must come before F1's August recess due to the logistical planning required.
Portimao on Standby
F1 has also prepared contingency plans should the season-closing Qatar and Abu Dhabi events face disruption, with Portugal's Portimao circuit identified as a backup venue. A decision on that option has been set for mid-September, ahead of Portimao's planned return to the calendar in 2027.
