Formula 1 has announced that the 2027 season will begin with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 14, despite ongoing uncertainties surrounding races in the Middle East this year. The full 24-race calendar was released on Wednesday, with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix following a week later, and events also scheduled in Qatar and Abu Dhabi toward the end of the season. All four Middle Eastern venues have long-term contracts with Formula 1, with Bahrain additionally serving as the site for preseason testing in February.

This year, races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were canceled due to the conflict involving Iran, prompting Formula 1 to add an extra race in Malaysia next month, which will carry the Bahrain Grand Prix branding. The Qatar Grand Prix, set for November 29, and the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 6, remain on the current schedule. While Formula 1 has explored the possibility of relocating these late-season races to Europe if the Middle East events cannot proceed, tickets for both remain on sale.

Bahrain has historically been the traditional season opener for Formula 1, except in 2025 and 2026 when the race was rescheduled to avoid clashing with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The 2027 calendar also strategically avoids scheduling conflicts with other major motorsport events, including the Indianapolis 500 on May 30 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 12-13. Earlier this year, Formula 1 held races on the same dates as both of these events, a move that drew some criticism.

Notably, four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has expressed interest in competing at Le Mans in the future, highlighting the growing crossover between different racing disciplines. The 2027 schedule represents Formula 1’s continued commitment to maintaining its global footprint, including a strong presence in the Middle East despite regional challenges.