Formula 1 schedules 2027 season-opening race in Bahrain in March despite Middle East uncertainty

McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain, center, leads the field after the start of the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix race in Madrid, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026.

McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain, center, leads the field after the start of the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix race in Madrid, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)


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LONDON — Formula 1 plans to open the 2027 season in Bahrain even as uncertainty remains over this year's races in the Middle East.

F1 released a schedule for 2027 on Wednesday starting with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 14 and more events in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. All have long-term contracts to host F1 and Bahrain also hosts preseason testing in February.

Races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were called off this year due to the Iran war. An extra race in Malaysia next month will have Bahrain Grand Prix branding.

The Qatar Grand Prix on Nov. 29 and the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Dec. 6 remain on the schedule although F1 has considered a change to Europe if they can't go ahead.

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