Amidst the speculation surrounding the international automobile racing calendar, the FIA (International Automobile Federation) announced the postponement of the opening stage of the 2026 World Endurance Championship. The race was scheduled to take place between March 26 and 28 at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar, but was postponed due to the conflict in the Middle East.
Although no Formula 1 stage has been officially postponed so far, speculation is growing about the tests scheduled for April, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs. If the category chooses not to travel to the Middle East due to tensions involving the United States and Iran, alternatives are already being discussed behind the scenes.
Among the tracks that could replace the Arab countries are Imola, Italy, and Portimão, Portugal. However, the second option seems more difficult to happen, since the Portuguese circuit would be occupied precisely on the weekends when F1 should compete in the Middle East. During the Bahrain stage, the track will host Porsche tests. The following week, scheduled for the Saudi Arabian GP, International GT Open races are scheduled. A week later, it will be the turn of the CRM event.
Although there is a possibility of cancellation or rescheduling of these categories, the measure could generate high costs. Teams, drivers, and spectators have already incurred expenses related to travel to Portimão on the scheduled dates, in addition to the additional challenge of finding new dates on the calendar.
In the face of this scenario, although it is not impossible, reorganization is considered difficult. Thus, Portimão does not emerge, at this time, as the main alternative to replace the stages of Bahrain or Saudi Arabia, in case Formula 1 needs to change its plans.
