The FIA acknowledges that Turkey might take the place of the canceled Gulf races.

      "We could push it back by a week and reschedule everything."

      Mohammed Ben Sulayem has acknowledged that Turkey could make an earlier return to the Formula 1 calendar if the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East continue to disrupt the 2026 season. Following the cancellation of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia this year due to the Iran conflict, there are increasing uncertainties about the concluding events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

      Saudi Arabia, in particular, along with Bahrain, still aims to reinstate their cancelled races later this year; however, Ben Sulayem emphasized that nothing will proceed if the security conditions worsen. In this context, the FIA president confirmed that Istanbul is now a valid backup option.

      "Concerning Qatar, we could postpone it by a week and delay everything," he stated. "Otherwise, we might have Turkey participate this year if its homologation is completed and all other requirements are fulfilled."

      Turkey is already confirmed to return officially with a new five-year agreement starting in 2027, but the deteriorating geopolitical circumstances might expedite that arrangement. Ben Sulayem mentioned that Formula 1 is currently assessing various scenarios.

      "From a logistical standpoint, it’s about identifying the best scenario," he clarified. "We are in discussions with the promoters." "It’s about determining the optimal option, and we will aim to make things more manageable without overloading our staff."

      The Emirati also highlighted that motorsport considerations take a backseat to the humanitarian issues occurring in the region. "There’s a more significant problem than motorsport," Ben Sulayem stated. "It’s our way of life, the changes, the tension in that area." "Sport can wait. What holds more importance? People or motorsport? People should always be the priority."

      He commended Gulf leaders for exhibiting restraint during the conflict. "When it comes to the government’s leadership, their management of the situation by refraining from retaliating was very wise," he remarked. "It requires immense strength not to react."

      He also cautioned that Formula 1 may ultimately have no alternative but to avoid the region entirely if the war continues into the autumn. "God forbid, if it continues into October or November, we simply won’t be able to proceed," Ben Sulayem conceded. "Because safety must come first."