A ‘Plan B’ opener for 2027? Australian GP boss reveals contract details

In just over two weeks’ time, Formula 1 will hold the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia (!). As is well known, this became necessary because the race originally scheduled for April at the Bahrain International Circuit could not go ahead due to the war in the Middle East. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah was also postponed or cancelled as a result. The region has still not returned to normal. So now we have the replacement Grand Prix under the name Bahrain Grand Prix – but in Sepang, Malaysia.

2027 season opener planned for Bahrain

On Wednesday, Formula 1 and the FIA published the calendar for 2027. It has now been confirmed that next year’s season is set to open in Bahrain, followed by a race in Saudi Arabia. However, glancing at international news sites, many Formula 1 fans are asking themselves: is this even realistic? And that’s not the only question.

In fact, the current global situation is sparking a great deal of discussion about the calendar in the Formula 1 paddock. Last weekend in Madrid, the focus was primarily on the rest of the season: races are scheduled to take place in the Gulf region – in Qatar and Abu Dhabi – in late November and early December. When announcing the 2027 calendar, Formula 1 emphasised that nothing had changed for 2026 either and that things would continue as planned – meaning both Middle Eastern Grands Prix would take place in late autumn. However, according to our information, work is also underway in parallel on an alternative season finale at Imola on the Abu Dhabi date (6 December). Nothing has been officially announced or finalised yet. But the paddock is largely planning for a trip to Italy on St Nicholas’ Day. Formula 1 is trying, as far as possible, to honour its contracts with its partners in the Middle East.

Melbourne is still under construction

But the 2027 calendar naturally also raises the question: what will Formula 1 do if the situation does not improve? There is still almost half a year to go until the start of the 2027 season, so plenty of time. The problem is that an alternative start to the season could not be brought forward at short notice. Melbourne hosted the season opener in 2025 and 2026 (because the fasting month of Ramadan fell in March) – but cannot host it any earlier in 2027.

Speaking to our Australian colleagues at Speedcafe, GP boss Travis Auld said: “Our date is now set for 1–4 April. And we have a major construction project that is tied to specific deadlines and timeframes. So we’re as good as tied to this date.” He is referring to a new pit building. When asked, Auld said: “I think it would be difficult for us to postpone this date now, yes.”

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Melbourne guaranteed first, second or third race

Auld also revealed an interesting contractual detail: “Our contract with Formula 1 states that we are somewhere between Race 1 and Race 3 each year.” So it’s worded flexibly. But Melbourne could not host a season opener in March. Even setting aside the pit building, the set-up work at Albert Park is more extensive than at permanent circuits. It is also conceivable that the permanent circuits in Shanghai and Suzuka could move up the schedule should a season opener in the Middle East prove impossible. But that is speculation at this stage.

Incidentally, this could be an indication that Qatar and Abu Dhabi are indeed in doubt this year: Formula 2, which still intends to hold its season finale at both race weekends, will run an additional feature race including qualifying in Baku next week, thereby extending the race weekend (though it also emphasised that the usual format will be followed in Qatar and Abu Dhabi).

There are still many question marks hanging over the rest of the current season and the start of next year. But if Formula 1 has proven one thing amid the Covid-19 pandemic and the Middle East conflict, it is flexibility. Racing will definitely go ahead – the only question is where.