FIA suggests Turkey could replace cancelled Middle East races in 2024

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has indicated the Turkish Grand Prix, scheduled for a 2025 return, could be brought forward to this season if the cancelled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia cannot be rescheduled due to the ongoing regional conflict. The sport is evaluating multiple calendar options, with safety and logistics as the primary concerns.

Why it matters:

The ongoing instability in the Middle East has created significant uncertainty for F1's 2024 calendar. A potential early return for the popular Istanbul Park circuit would be a welcome solution for fans and the sport, but it underscores the complex geopolitical challenges facing global sporting events. Ultimately, the FIA's stance reinforces that security and human safety will always take precedence over sporting schedules.

The details:

• Following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix last month due to regional conflict, F1 is actively exploring options to fill the gaps in the 2024 calendar.
• One scenario involves slotting a Middle Eastern race into the early October gap between Azerbaijan and Singapore. Another is creating a quadruple-header at the season's end, extending the championship by one week to December 13th.
• Should the Middle East races prove impossible, Turkey emerges as the leading alternative. F1 recently announced a five-year deal to return to Istanbul Park starting in 2025 after a six-year absence.
• Ben Sulayem, speaking to media including RacingNews365, stated, "If not, then maybe we could have Turkey this year if it finishes its homologation, and the rest of their needs."
• He emphasized the logistical challenge, noting consultations with promoters are ongoing to find the best scenario "without putting stress on our staff."
• The FIA President was unequivocal about the priority of safety, conceding the final races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are also not guaranteed if the conflict persists: "God forbid, if it goes on to October, November, we'll just have to not go because security and safety come first."

What's next:

The 2024 calendar remains in a state of flux, entirely dependent on the geopolitical situation in the Middle East. The final decision hinges on two parallel tracks: the feasibility and safety of rescheduling the Bahrain/Saudi events, and the readiness of the Istanbul Park circuit to meet F1's homologation standards on an accelerated timeline. Promoters and the FIA will continue consultations in the coming weeks to finalize a secure and logistically sound plan for the remainder of the season.