FIA President shares when a new race might be added to the 2026 calendar.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has hinted that a Grand Prix might be held in a country that hasn’t hosted a race since 2021 during the 2026 season.
After the Miami Grand Prix, Formula 1 now focuses on the fifth race of the year in Canada on May 24. Right now, the usual 24-race season looks like it will be shorter, with only 22 races. This is because the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were recently canceled due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Both of these races were planned for April, but instead, the sport took a five-week break. There have been talks about possibly rescheduling the Saudi Arabian race for December, along with the other races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
However, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said earlier this month that rescheduling these races is “already quite difficult” because the calendar is very full. Speaking to Bloomberg, he explained, “We may recover one. We have a deadline before we must decide if the situation allows us to go ahead. We hope so, for the bigger picture.”
While no decision has been made yet, FIA President Ben Sulayem suggested that the Turkish Grand Prix could happen later this year if the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races can’t be rearranged. Turkey hasn’t hosted a race since 2021 and was originally set to return in 2027. A possible date in October, between the Azerbaijan and Singapore races, is being considered.
Sulayem told RacingNews365, “Around Qatar, we could delay one week and push everything back. If not, then maybe Turkey could come this year if they finish their preparations and everything they need.” He also added, “We’re working with the promoters to find the best option without putting too much pressure on our staff.”
Talking about the last two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, he said, “There’s a bigger issue than just motorsport. It’s about how we live, the changes, and the stress in that area. The way the local leadership handled the situation, choosing not to retaliate, was very wise. That takes strength. Sport can wait. What matters more? People or motorsport? People always come first.”
He hopes the situation will improve soon so life can return to normal. “If the conflict keeps going into October or November, we might have to skip those races because safety is the top priority.”