Last Updated on April 18 2026, 8:37 pm
Rumours of a shake-up to the F1 calendar are gathering pace – Following claims from paddock insider and F1 photographer / content creator, Kym Illman, speculation around a potential late-season reshuffle in Formula 1 is beginning to gather real momentum.
In a recent Instagram post, Illman suggested that the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, traditionally the season finale, could be moved to 13 December, with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah taking its place on 6 December.
Illman admitted that he was initially sceptical when the rumour first surfaced, but a growing number of similar claims in recent days has made it increasingly difficult to dismiss outright.
The Hotel Clue, and a Sponsorship Angle
A key part of Illman’s reasoning comes from hotel availability trends in both Jeddah and Abu Dhabi. He pointed to booking patterns that appear to align with a race weekend in Saudi Arabia first, followed by Abu Dhabi a week later. In the past, such patterns have hinted at calendar leaks due to the scale of F1’s travelling infrastructure.
However, there’s an important layer to consider. Illman has previously collaborated with travel partners, including Hotels.com. This naturally raises questions about how much weight should be given to hotel-based ‘evidence’. While it’s a clever angle for content, it’s not necessarily definitive proof.
Nevertheless, dismissing it entirely may be premature. Even if the method is unconventional, the consistency of the signals, and the fact that multiple sources are now echoing similar timelines, suggests there could be something more substantial behind the noise.
Why a switch would matter
A change like this would still see Abu Dhabi host the final race, but it would alter the rhythm of the closing stages of the championship. The current structure has long been built around the Yas Marina finale, which is often positioned as the climax of the season.
Moving Jeddah to the second-to-last slot could intensify the closing stages, especially with two high-profile Middle Eastern races back-to-back. It would also have logistical implications for teams, broadcasters and fans planning end-of-season travel.
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Smoke, Fire or Just Noise?
For now, there has been no official confirmation from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) or the Formula One Group.
However, in a sport where calendar details often leak through indirect channels before being finalised, the growing volume of aligned speculation is notable. Illman’s hotel-based theory may not be watertight, but when considered alongside the wider chatter, it suggests that these rumours should not be ignored just yet.
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A senior writer at TJ13, C.J. Alderson serves as Senior Editor and newsroom coordinator, with a background in online sports reporting and motorsport magazine editing. Alderson’s professional training in media studies and experience managing content teams ensures TJ13 maintains consistency of voice and credibility. During race weekends, Alderson acts as desk lead, directing contributors and smoothing breaking stories for publication.
Who cares, F1 is a joke these days. The new cars have made it in competitive and boring. Hold the next race on the moon.