Rumors about a possible change in the Formula 1 calendar gained traction after a publication by a category photographer on Instagram. The speculation indicated that the Abu Dhabi GP could be postponed to December 13, making space for the Saudi Arabian round to take place on the 6th.
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The photographer himself reported that he decided to investigate the situation by accessing a hotel booking website. According to him, at first there was ample availability of rooms in Jeddah and Abu Dhabi, with prices below the usual for race weekends, which led him to make reservations. Later, upon checking again, he found several hotels already fully booked for the same dates.
Despite appearing to be an indication, the theory does not hold up. Variation in hotel occupancy can occur for several reasons and does not confirm official changes. According to the portal GPblog, the official FIA (International Automobile Federation) awards ceremony is still scheduled for December 12, conflicting with the possible new Abu Dhabi date.
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Furthermore, a change of this type would create a sequence of four consecutive races, as Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi currently form the final stretch of the season — something considered exhausting. There are also logistical issues: tickets and travel to Abu Dhabi have already been organized by fans and teams.
So far, there are no prospects for the return of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs to this year’s calendar.
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