Formula 1: why the Middle East could lose one of its Grands Prix in the future

Formula 1: why the Middle East could lose one of its Grands Prix in the future. The Middle East could lose one of its F1 Grands Prix in the future.

The Middle East currently hosts four F1 Grand Prix, but in the near future, one of them may no longer be on the calendar. As it stands, the Middle East hosts four F1 Grand Prix: Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. Given the growing global demand for countries wanting to join the Circus, Gulf nations may soon withdraw.

There is indeed a real risk that the Middle East could do without one of its F1 Grand Prix in the near future.

According to Business F1 Magazine, the four races mentioned above have an agreement with Formula 1 to remain on the calendar until 2027. With Rwanda looking to join the Circus, the United States planning to add a fourth American race, and Asia making strides with Thailand, no Grand Prix is safe.

Currently, the Formula 1 calendar is packed with 24 races this year, although there are plans to increase that number to 25.

The magazine reports that some people within the Circus believe that the Middle East will soon have to say goodbye to Saudi Arabia. The country has a contract with F1 until 2027, but in the meantime, other sports are becoming popular, with football being the foremost. The costs to finance four Grand Prix are also becoming unsustainable.

The construction of the new racetrack, which is supposed to host the Saudi Arabian GP in Qiddiya, has not yet started. For now, it is just a “virtual” project. It will not be completed by 2025. The Jeddah circuit, on the other hand, will continue to host the race until 2027.

Qiddiya, 45 km from the capital Riyadh, seems to be the ideal destination, as confirmed by Abdullah Al-Dawood, head of the project, who has denied rumors of possible delays. It will include six theme parks, a mega Dragon Ball-themed attraction that will be one of a kind, and is set to “transport visitors on an adventure beyond imagination.” There will also be 24 entertainment stands, including cinemas and a bowling area.

Although some people are skeptical about the project, as reported by Business F1 Magazine, the Saudi Arabian GP remains in Jeddah at least until 2027. Beyond that date, the future of this Grand Prix is still uncertain.