F1 teams are blocking new Saudi Arabian GP date because they don’t want a quadruple header

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Formula 1 teams are reportedly ‘resisting’ the idea of holding the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as part of a quadruple header.

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which was originally scheduled to take place on April 19, had to be cancelled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. 

Apart from Jeddah, the Bahrain Grand Prix was also cancelled, with the 2026 season now operating on a 22-race calendar.

However, since the cancellations were announced, it has been reported that Saudi Arabia could host a race in October should the conflict in the Middle East be resolved by then.

Meanwhile, other rumours suggested that there could be a quadruple header towards the end of the 2026 season.

The quadruple header would see teams take part in races in Las Vegas, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi in the space of four weeks.

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F1 teams ‘resisting’ idea of hosting Saudi Arabian Grand Prix towards the end of the 2026 season

Speaking on the latest episode of the Nailing The Apex podcast, Viaplay’s Nelson Valkenburg claimed that F1 teams are ‘resisting’ the idea of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix being a part of a quadruple header. 

Valkenburg added that as things stand, it is unlikely that races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will be replaced.

He said: “Incidentally, right now, it doesn’t look like Bahrain and Jeddah are going to be replaced.

“Up until yesterday, I really thought we might be heading into a quadruple, but I had some sources telling me that it’s not an easy done deal to slot Jeddah in at the end of the year.

“I would imagine the Saudis really want it, but yeah, let’s wait and see. But, the teams are probably resisting doing four in a row if those four are Las Vegas, Qatar, Jeddah and Abu Dhabi in a row.”

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Valkenburg continued: “That turnover is just brutal, Las Vegas to Qatar, time-wise, flight-wise, weather-wise, everything, at the point of the season that everybody is at their breaking point, all those mechanics.

“That would be the one that I would change if I could make a calendar because it just doesn’t make sense.”

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Formula 1 confirms return of Turkish Grand Prix in 2027

Although there are still uncertainties over the 2026 calendar, it has been confirmed that one circuit will be making a return next year.

Last week, it was confirmed that the Turkish Grand Prix will return to the F1 calendar from 2027, on a five-year deal. The race will be held around Istanbul Park for the first time since 2021.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “We are delighted to be returning to the incredible and vibrant city of Istanbul from 2027 to thrill all our fans in Turkiye and around the world on one of the most exciting and challenging circuits in Formula 1.

“Many memorable moments have been made in our sport’s history at Istanbul Park, and I’m excited to begin the next chapter of our partnership, giving fans the opportunity to experience even more incredible racing in a truly fantastic location.”