Is the Saudi Arabian GP returning to the F1 2026 calendar?
Jeddah does not give in to geopolitical contingencies and, in fact, really hopes to be able to return to the calendar to recover the Saudi Arabian GP F1 which was originally supposed to be held last April 19. Thus, what were initially just rumors of a possible rescheduling even to December, back-to-back with the grand finale of Abu Dhabi – which, however, is itself at risk should the war in the Persian Gulf continue – seem to be gaining further ground, at least in the intentions of the organizers. Speaking publicly about it, on the sidelines of the presentation event of the Dakar 2027 route, is in fact the prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, who is also the president of the Saudi motorsport federation.
Read more Mekies protects Hadjar: “It wasn’t her fault if she was so far behind”
The Prince Speaks
“It is impossible to be here today – he explains during the event held in Paris – and ignore the moment we are living through or the things that have happened in the Region. These are events that have raised questions, but have also provided answers. It is indeed proven that Saudi Arabia is stable, that our system is solid, that our borders are secure and that our focus remains exactly where it should be, namely on continuing to protect our people while contributing to promoting stability in the Area”.
A stability that, therefore, can lead, at least in the intentions of the Prince and the Federation he presides over, to the organization of a global event such as a Formula 1 GP: “We have seen it clearly in recent weeks. We were ready to host F1 in Jeddah, just as we have been for any other event scheduled on our territory. Completely prepared. The decision not to hold the race was made by Formula 1 and the FIA. We respect it, but our availability has not changed. If anything, this situation has strengthened our commitment, not only in organizing events, but also towards what sport represents. Life goes on and sport continues, fans keep filling the stadiums and they do so because they feel safe and because sport remains an integral part of daily life”.
Read more Christmas with F1: the 2026 World Championship could end on December 20th…
But is there room in the F1 calendar?
It is not so obvious that Formula 1 could really consider Jeddah’s requests, even if a peace treaty were reached between Iran, the USA, and Israel, with the consequent end of pressure on the Persian Gulf countries. The possible rescheduling of F1 in Saudi Arabia in December with the postponement of the Abu Dhabi round would lead to an unprecedented situation, with as many as four consecutive races, three of which in the Middle East (Lusail, Jeddah, Yas Marina) and one on the other side of the world, in Las Vegas.
