Saudi Arabian GP pushing F1 for reinstatement amid Middle East crisis

David Croft has revealed that there is a "desire" for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix — or even the Bahrain Grand Prix — to be reinstated to the 2026 season between Azerbaijan and Singapore.

RacingNews365 reported earlier this year that Formula 1 is exploring the possibility of staging a grand prix across October 2–4, creating a new triple-header.

From the FIA's perspective, Bahrain is understood to be the preferred option, with freight still in the country. However, Saudi officials are pushing F1 for its race to be reinstated.

The situation surrounding whether either event can return to the calendar this year remains a fast-moving discussion, heavily dependent on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

A decision will be needed soon on whether either Bahrain or Saudi Arabia can be reinstated after both events were cancelled in April. However, a close associate of the latter was in Montreal.

Croft revealed that he had a conversation with an individual "closely associated" with the Saudi Arabian GP during the Canadian Grand Prix, with the hope being for a return, potentially in October.

"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."