2027 Motorsport Calendars Adjusted Amid Middle East Conflict

Formula 1 has postponed the publication of its 2027 season calendar until autumn, citing the ongoing US‑Iran war and related instability in the Middle East. The sport is preparing contingency plans for winter testing, with Bahrain expected to host the tests and the season opener, while the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has been cancelled and the status of the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races remains uncertain. Portugal and Turkey have been confirmed for the 2027 calendar, and F1 chief Stefano Domenicali emphasized that the series aims to keep a 24‑race schedule despite the geopolitical challenges.

The FIA has approved a five‑round 2027 World Rally‑Raid Championship (W2RC) schedule that retains two events on the Arabian Peninsula. The season will open with the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia (1‑15 January) followed by the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (21‑26 March). Subsequent rounds include South Africa’s Safari Rally (June), Portugal’s Ultimate Rally‑Raid (September) and Morocco’s Rallye du Maroc (October). FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem highlighted that the calendar was designed to lower costs and simplify logistics, even as the region remains volatile.