F1 bosses considering wildcard track not seen since 2008 if another race is cancelled

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Formula 1 chiefs are now reported to have identified some unexpected alternative tracks that could host races this year if more rounds are cancelled.

F1 has already had to cancel the Grands Prix that were originally due to be held in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia this April due to the situation in the Middle East.

But there is now the possibility of future scheduled races in the area also being cancelled, which threatens to cause additional disruption for the 2026 F1 calendar.

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It is believed that the F1 teams have blocked a possible quadruple-header that would have seen the Saudi Arabian GP return to the calendar.

And F1 chiefs are now thought to be facing the prospect of having to cancel the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.

READ MORE: F1’s fears of ‘undeserving’ title winner may ensure Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races are not revived

Fuji and Sepang could now host an F1 race in 2026 if Qatar and Abu Dhabi cannot

The Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are scheduled for the end of the 2026 season, and any further challenges could potentially put Formula 1 in a position to reorganise the final races elsewhere.

So, according to The Telegraph, F1 officials are now considering a few tracks that could host races should the Qatar Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix face any challenges.

Among the tracks shortlisted are Fuji in Japan, Sepang in Malaysia, a second visit to Suzuka this year, and even a return to Melbourne.

That said, F1 is not considering any of those locations as possible replacements for the already cancelled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

An F1 spokesperson issued the following statement to F1 Oversteer regarding the possibility of rescheduling the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. They said:

“[These tracks] are not currently being considered as stand-in options for the previously impacted Grands Prix. Rearranging races, as well as slotting them into a congested time in the calendar, is incredibly complex and very unlikely at this stage.”

READ MORE: Adelaide ‘proposed’ as possible replacement if Qatar or Abu Dhabi F1 races are cancelled

Formula 1 officials will keep a close eye on remaining races this season.

F1’s £85.5m shortfall highlights a heavy dependence on select markets

Is the sport too reliant on Middle Eastern GPs?

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Of course, there is a possibility that more races outside of the Middle East face postponement or cancellation.

In fact, this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix faces a thunderstorm threat, which could force officials to cancel the race.

Given that there has been a five-week hiatus due to the previous cancellations, F1 officials are likely to wait until the last possible minute before cancelling this weekend’s race.

But the 2026 season continues to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, and it has very little to do with the action on track.