FIA Puts Turkey on Standby as F1 Weighs Replacing Canceled Gulf Races

Overview

• FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said Turkey could join this season as a backup if its track sign-off is completed, keeping the option open if Gulf races cannot return.
• F1 is studying the October 2–4 window between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix, with Bahrain viewed as practical because championship freight is already there.
• A late shuffle that adds a race before the Abu Dhabi finale is under review, but Abu Dhabi is contractually required to close the season and teams warn of staff fatigue.
• Officials stress that safety comes first, which means the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds are not guaranteed if the regional war persists.
• Race fees for the canceled Bahrain and Saudi events were reportedly paid in advance at roughly £100 million, adding pressure to recover at least one round with decisions expected in the coming weeks.