Henry Eccles is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs, and features across the F1 calendar. Since joining in 2026, he has produced high-volume reporting on the sport’s biggest stories, alongside feature pieces including analysis and historical content.
The FIA have confirmed that the Dakar Saudi Arabia 2027 will not take place as scheduled from 1 to 15 January 2027 amid ongoing conflict in the region.
Earlier this week, the US State Department ordered non-essential diplomatic staff and family members to evacuate Saudi Arabia following a series of deadly attacks by Houthi rebels.
As explained in the FIA statement, the confirmation follows a joint announcement by the Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) and Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), which outlines the decision to relocate the 2027 edition.
The statement said: "This decision is exceptional and one-off and was taken in close coordination with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), and with the support of the FIA and the FIM.
"Dakar 2027 will go ahead. The 2027 edition will take place in a different territory and will be organised by A.S.O. The location will be announced separately in the coming days. A.S.O. is in direct contact with competitors, teams and partners to support them through this transition."
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While Saudi Arabia will not host the 2027 Dakar event, the rally will return to the country the following year, which will be the 50th edition.
The FIA added: "Saudi Arabia will host Dakar 2028, a landmark edition celebrating the 50th running of the rally. Both organisations are already working together to make this milestone an exceptional moment for the Dakar and for the Kingdom, with a shared commitment to once again deliver an iconic and world-class event to the highest of standards."
FIA President insists F1 season finale will go ahead as planned
Photo: Race Pictures
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Uncertainty continues to swirl around the final races of the F1 season, with Williams driver Carlos Sainz commenting it is "difficult to be convinced" by the FIA and F1's confidence surrounding Grands Prix in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
As well as the unrest in Saudi Arabia, the New York Times reported on Wednesday that more US-Israeli strikes on Iran are being drafted after the US midterm elections on November 3.
Despite a December 6 Imola race having been drawn up as a contingency plan should the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races be cancelled, FIA President Ben Sulayem has insisted the final two rounds of the F1 season will take place in the Middle East.
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