According to RaceFans, Formula 1 could hold the opening two rounds of the 2021 season in Bahrain if the sport is unable to travel to Portugal in May. The Algarve Circuit was the favorite to take the third slot on the calendar, which has been left as TBC up until this point.

However, rising COVID-19 case numbers in Portugal have put those plans at risk, with the enforcement of tougher travel restrictions between the UK, where most teams are based, and Portugal an increasing threat. If the Portimao race does become unfeasible, RaceFans claim that F1 would look to host a second Bahrain round a week after the March 28 season opener. This would likely be held on the outer ring used for the Sakhir Grand Prix in December last year.

This could result in the Imola race, scheduled for April 18, being moved back a week until April 25 in order to allow for further travel time. F1 has already been forced to postpone the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix due to COVID-19 restrictions, while rounds in Baku, Monaco, and Montreal have also been called into question.

Source Credit: Grand Prix 24/7