F1 2026 calendar talks in 'overtime' as Saudi Arabian GP return decision nears

Formula 1's efforts to finalize the 2026 calendar are in 'overtime,' with a decision on reinstating the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix expected within weeks. Discussions between event organizers and Formula One Management continue, and sources indicate a decision will be made in the next two to three weeks.

Why it matters:

The potential return of the Saudi Arabian GP carries significant financial weight — the two canceled Middle East events (Bahrain and Saudi Arabia) are worth over $100 million to FOM. Reshuffling the calendar could reshape the season's end, potentially delaying the Abu Dhabi finale and creating logistical challenges for teams.

The details:

• Timeline: A decision on the Saudi Arabian GP's return is expected in 2-3 weeks. The most likely scenario slots the race into December, pushing Abu Dhabi back by at least a week.
• Current assumption: Liberty Media's chief accounting officer Brian Wendling stated they are working on a base 22-race calendar, with hopes of moving one race to the back end of the year.
• Alternatives: A second race in Las Vegas is being explored as a substitute, given Liberty Media's full control over that event. However, financial questions remain about who would cover the cost.
• Bahrain option: Another possibility is moving Bahrain to an October window (Oct 2-4) between Azerbaijan and Singapore, creating a triple-header but avoiding a late-season quadruple-header.

What's next:

Stefano Domenicali is monitoring the geopolitical situation closely, noting that the lead time for a potential return differs between the April cancellations and the year-end window. "We are aligning with the teams and the promoters because this has a big chain reaction," he said. A final decision will come in due time, but the priority remains the safety and feasibility of racing in the region.

If Saudi Arabia is reinstated, the 2026 season could stretch into mid-December, testing the limits of the calendar and team resources.