Saudi Arabian GP uncertainty as talks with F1 bosses needed to solve race calendar issue

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix might have to change its slot on the Formula 1 calendar in 2024, according to organisers.

This weekend's race marks the F1 circus' third trip to Jeddah after the Grand Prix debuted in 2021. It was the penultimate race of that season and is remembered mostly for that infamous collision between title-chasing rivals Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen during the race.

It moved to a March slot last year and remains there for this season. However, it could be moved around again for the 2024 calendar due to a possible clash with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Australian Grand Prix chiefs said late last year that Saudi officials had requested the opening race slot of the 2024 season due to a potential clash with Ramadan. The fasting period is projected to begin in March 11 next year and run until April 10.

The Kingdom would be unable to host the race during that period. Warmer weather means a race in mid-April or the weeks following that would not be practical, meaning Jeddah either needs the very first race slot of the year, or to be moved back to the tail end of the season.

Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation chairman Prince Khalid bin Al Faisal said: "It's still too early. We would love to have the opening race, and I'm sure this is something that we should discuss now before the announcement of the calendar.

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit could host the opening round of the 2024 F1 World Championship (Hasan Bratic/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)

"We want to see the feedback of the teams because we want what's best for FOM [Formula One Management] and what's best for the teams. If it's the best solution we would love to have the opening race, but nothing is set now.

"It's either going to be Saudi or Bahrain that can have a race before Ramadan. After Ramadan, the weather in April and May is hot, so March is the last time where the weather is suitable. We saw when races used to happen in April in Bahrain it was too hot.

"But we need to discuss with FOM and the teams, and then we'll make our decisions. Otherwise, it will shift to somewhere [later] like October, or after October, where the weather starts to get better in our region."