Saudi Arabian GP pushing F1 for reinstatement amid Middle East crisis

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Pushing for 2026 Return as F1 Weighs Middle East Option
Jeddah or Bahrain Could Fill October Calendar Gap Amid Regional Uncertainty

Formula 1 may yet add another race to the 2026 calendar, with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix making a strong push for reinstatement. Sky F1 commentator David Croft has revealed there is growing momentum to bring either Jeddah or Bahrain back onto the schedule, potentially slotting the event between Azerbaijan and Singapore in early October.

A New Triple-Header on the Cards
The idea centers on a previously open weekend of October 2–4. RacingNews365 reported earlier this year that F1 is exploring the possibility of creating a new triple-header by using that gap. The current calendar has Baku and Singapore back-to-back, and inserting a Middle East race between them would turn it into three consecutive flyaway events.

Croft discussed the situation on the Sky F1 podcast after speaking with a key figure in the paddock. “By the way, I did bump into someone from Saudi Arabia in the paddock who is closely associated with the grand prix,” he said. “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.”

He added that a decision will need to be made quickly, with both Saudi and Bahraini officials lobbying for the spot. “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.”

Bahrain vs Saudi Arabia: Who’s in the Lead?
From the FIA’s perspective, Bahrain appears to be the more logistically convenient option. Much of the freight and equipment used for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix in March is understood to still be in the country. That would reduce transport costs and complexity if the race were reinstated.

However, Saudi officials are actively pushing F1 to bring Jeddah back instead. The Saudi Arabian GP was a late addition to the sport in 2021 and quickly became a fan favorite for its high-speed street circuit. Losing the race in April was a blow to the kingdom’s sporting ambitions, and a close associate of the Jeddah event was spotted in Montreal during the Canadian GP, underlining the seriousness of their push.

Cancellation in April, Uncertainty Now
Both the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix were removed from the 2026 calendar back in April due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Security concerns and regional instability made it impossible to confirm the events at the time. Since then, the situation has remained fluid, and F1 has kept the October slot open as a contingency.

Whether either race can return will depend heavily on how the geopolitical situation develops over the coming weeks. The FIA, F1 management, teams, and local promoters must weigh safety, logistics, and commercial factors before giving the green light

What This Means for the 2026 Season
If a race is reinstated, the 2026 season would gain another event, taking the calendar back toward 24 races. A Jeddah race in October would also create one of the most demanding triple-headers of the year: Azerbaijan’s street circuit, followed by Jeddah’s high-speed walls, then Singapore’s brutal night race. For teams and drivers, that’s a punishing stretch of travel, heat, and precision.

Fans are split on the idea. Some welcome the return of racing in the Middle East and the drama of a third consecutive race. Others are concerned about adding more strain to an already packed calendar and about staging events amid regional tensions.

Croft’s comments confirm that discussions are active and moving quickly. “Don’t be surprised if we go to Jeddah,” he said, suggesting Saudi Arabia is confident of getting the nod. But with Bahrain also in contention and the FIA having practical reasons to favor Sakhir, the final call is still up in the air.

A decision is expected soon. For now, F1 waits, and the Middle East waits with it, hoping to see cars back on track before the season ends.