FIA President Reveals Emergency Plan to Add Extra F1 Race as Turkey Emerges as Surprise 2026 Option
Formula 1 could be heading back to Istanbul Park much sooner than expected after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem revealed that the Turkish Grand Prix is being considered as a possible replacement race later this season.
The comments come amid growing uncertainty surrounding the future of the planned races in the Middle East, with both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix currently cancelled due to the ongoing conflict in the region. Formula 1 and the FIA are now assessing contingency plans to prevent major disruption to the 2026 calendar.
Turkey had already secured a long-term return to Formula 1 beginning next season, but Ben Sulayem has now confirmed that discussions are underway over whether the country could host a race earlier than planned if the situation in the Middle East does not improve.
Speaking to reporters, the FIA president explained that several options are currently being explored, including adjustments around the Qatar Grand Prix weekend or the introduction of an entirely different venue.
“Around Qatar, you could delay one week, push everything,” Ben Sulayem explained.
“If not, then maybe we could have Turkey this year if it finishes its homologation, and the rest of their needs.”
His remarks immediately sparked excitement among fans, many of whom have long hoped to see Turkey return permanently to the Formula 1 schedule after its memorable appearances during previous seasons.
The circuit became particularly popular during its most recent stint on the calendar between 2020 and 2021. The track delivered dramatic races, unpredictable weather conditions and standout performances, including Lewis Hamilton clinching his seventh world championship at the venue in 2020.
One of the circuit’s defining features is the famous Turn 8 complex, regarded by many drivers as one of the greatest corners in modern Formula 1 due to its high-speed, multi-apex design that heavily challenges tyre management and driver precision.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding a possible return, Ben Sulayem stressed that the situation is far more complicated than simply inserting another race into the schedule.
The FIA and Formula 1 management must consider a range of logistical and operational factors before any final decision can be made. These include freight transportation, staff welfare, team travel schedules, circuit readiness and overall calendar balance.
“Logistically, what’s the best scenario?” Ben Sulayem asked.
“We’re consulting with the promoters. It’s about where we want to go, and we will try to facilitate, but not without putting stress on our staff. That would be too much.”
The possibility of adding Turkey back into the calendar also depends on the circuit completing the FIA homologation process required to host a modern Formula 1 race weekend. Safety inspections, infrastructure requirements and operational standards would all need to be finalised before approval could be granted.
The uncertainty surrounding the Middle East events has placed Formula 1 in a difficult position. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have become major financial and strategic components of the sport’s modern calendar, hosting high-profile races that attract large audiences and significant sponsorship investment.
However, Ben Sulayem made clear that the FIA’s priority remains safety rather than preserving the racing schedule at all costs.
“There is a bigger issue than just motorsport,” he said.
“It is the way we live, it’s the changes, it’s the stress in that area.”
The FIA president also praised leaders in the region for attempting to avoid further escalation of tensions, describing restraint as a sign of strength during an increasingly volatile period.
“If we talk about the leadership there, as a government, how they handled it, not to retaliate, was very wise,” he added.
“It takes strength not to do this.”
Ben Sulayem continued by emphasising that human welfare must always come before sporting entertainment, even in a global competition as commercially significant as Formula 1.
“Sport can wait. What is more important? Humans or motorsport? Or any sport? Humans are always the priority.”
Those comments underline the seriousness of the current situation and explain why Formula 1 is preparing alternative plans well in advance rather than waiting until later in the season.
If the conflict continues into the final months of the year, Formula 1 may ultimately be forced to abandon any hopes of returning to the region altogether.
“Hopefully, it will be over soon, so that we can go back to normal and not live in the way that we are living, with this stress,” Ben Sulayem said.
“God forbid, if it goes on to October, November, we’ll just have to not go because security and safety come first.”
For now, Turkey remains one of the leading candidates to step in if changes become necessary. While no final decision has yet been announced, the prospect of an early return to Istanbul Park has already generated major excitement across the Formula 1 world as the sport continues navigating one of the most uncertain calendar situations in recent years.