Saudi Arabia is targeting a return to the Formula 1 calendar later this year, despite the ongoing crisis in the Middle East that led to the race’s cancellation earlier.
The F1 Saudi Arabian GP was scheduled to take place in April, but F1 cancelled the race following the escalation in tensions in the Middle East.
At the time, of the cancellation, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “While this was a difficult decision to take, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their support and total understanding as they were looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion. We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so.”
The last sentence of that statement is the most intriguing, as F1 opened the door to a return in 2026, should the instability in the Middle East de-escalate.
A “desire” for F1’s return to Saudi Arabia
Sky Sports commentator David Croft has revealed that the circuits powers that be are aiming for a return in just a few months time.
“By the way, I did bump into someone from Saudi Arabia in the paddock who is closely associated with the grand prix,” Croft said on the Sky F1 podcast.
“There is a desire to have that race in Jeddah run this year, potentially between Baku and Singapore. There is that week’s gap, so we could turn it into a triple-header.
“Obviously, they need to make a decision soon. Bahrain might be an option for that one as well, depending on what the situation is in that part of the world.
“But don’t be surprised if we go to Jeddah between Baku and Singapore.”
The idea of returning to Jeddah will intrigue the paddock, given the ongoing military strikes in the wider Middle East region. Returning to Saudi Arabia, for now, remains hypothetical.
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