Formula 1 President Stefano Domenicali expressed a desire to reinstate at least one of the two Middle East races canceled earlier this season due to regional conflict.
The Grands Prix scheduled for Bahrain and Jeddah in April were canceled following geopolitical tensions in the region. Domenicali stated that if the conditions are right, Formula 1 would seek to integrate a replacement event into the calendar.
"If there is something that we can announce also related to the possibility of seeing if there is any space for what has not been done so far, we're going to do it, in the right moment and the right conditions," the Italian told Sky Sport. "That is really the hope, because if all the conditions are right, we're going to go ahead with our plan. If there is a chance, why not?"
While Domenicali did not specify which race might be reinstated, speculation suggests Bahrain could be considered for early October, between the Baku and Singapore events. Logistical considerations necessitate a decision before the August summer break, according to Domenicali.
The current Formula 1 season comprises 22 races, with the final two scheduled in the Gulf: Qatar followed by the season finale in Abu Dhabi in December. Domenicali conveyed optimism that these events would proceed as planned, emphasizing their significance.
"Our duty is to make sure we are ready to run our calendar as it is planned," he said. "And we are monitoring the situation because it would be an incredibly positive message for sport, and also politically, that we are moving in this direction, because if this is happening, it is something we can say is behind us."
