Reports: Portugal’s Portimão an option for F1 finale, Bahrain waiting

Formula One is keeping an alternative open in case the season finale in the Middle East has to be cancelled due to further conflict, with Portimão in Portugal a candidate, according to the specialist website the-race.com.

Portimão on the Algarve is being considered should the final two grands prix of the year on November 29 in Qatar and on December 6 in Abu Dhabi are unable to take place.

A ceasefire is in place for the US/Israeli war on Iran but the future remains unclear. The Bahrain and Saudi Grands Prix were axed in April due to the war in the region.

The Algarve event most recently served as a replacement host in 2020 and 2021 during the coronavirus pandemic. The race will return to the calendar permanently in 2027 and 2028.

Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali would like to stage at least one of the Saudi and Bahrain races later this year after all – if the geopolitical situation allows it.

“If there’s a chance, why not?” Domenicali told Sky Sports F1 at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone.

According to the UK broadcaster, the Bahrain Grand Prix is said to be favoured. Any rescheduling announcement is set to take place before F1’s mid-season break, which begins after the Hungarian Grand Prix at the end of July.

The Bahrain race could take place on the first weekend in October between the events in Azerbaijan and Singapore.