Portimão emerges as F1 backup

Portimão has emerged as Formula 1’s preferred backup plan for the final stretch of the 2026 calendar, according to reporting from The Race. With conflict in Iran ongoing and deadlines tightening ahead of the summer break, the sport is preparing alternatives should the scheduled races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, set for 29 November and 6 December, become untenable. The Algarve circuit previously hosted F1 in 2020 and 2021 and is already set to return as a full‑time venue in the following two seasons, making it a practical replacement.

F1 remains hopeful that geopolitical conditions will improve, allowing the Middle Eastern rounds to proceed safely. However, Stefano Domenicali has acknowledged that preserving all 24 planned races is unlikely due to limited calendar flexibility. Liberty Media is evaluating scenarios ranging from a reduced 20‑race season to a more optimistic 23‑race schedule. Portimão and other venues are on standby as decisions approach.