Chinese GP emerges as leading backup for 2027 F1 season opener

The Chinese Grand Prix has emerged as the leading option to open the 2027 Formula 1 season if the Middle East conflict prevents Bahrain and Saudi Arabia from hosting. F1 is expected to decide the region's fate by the end of September, with the outcome shaping both the closing phase of this year's calendar and next season's schedule.

Why it matters:

The US-Iran conflict that erupted in February has already forced the cancellation of this year's Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, with a Bahrain-funded replacement race in Malaysia slotted in for early October. Now the situation threatens to reshape the start of 2027, forcing F1 to prepare contingency plans while race promoters wait for clarity.

The details:

• September decision: F1 will determine by the end of September whether to proceed with the season-closing Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. If the conflict persists, Imola would host the finale in December, likely a fortnight after Las Vegas.
• Domenicali's comments: F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali's recent claim that the calendar is "confirmed" refers to the current plan to race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, not a final green light.
• 2027 Plan A: Back-to-back races in Bahrain (March 14) and Saudi Arabia (March 21), followed by a triple header in Australia (April 4), Japan (April 11) and China (April 18).
• 2027 Plan B: The Chinese Grand Prix would open the season in March, followed by Japan. Australia cannot move forward from its provisional April slot because construction of a new pit building won't be complete in time, so Melbourne would slot in after the Asian races.

What's next:

F1 remains committed to a 24-race calendar next year regardless of the Middle East outcome. This season is currently set to finish with either 22 or 23 races, with the final shape of both calendars expected to be confirmed by the end of September.