Malaysia could make a return to the Formula 1 calendar this season, with the Sepang International Circuit among the venues being considered as a replacement for Bahrain’s cancelled race amid escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Sources familiar with discussions told Reuters that Formula 1 is exploring several options after the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races scheduled in April were called off due to the Iran war. While no final decision has been made, Sepang is understood to be one of the potential replacement venues.
A possible race slot could fall between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on 26 September and the Singapore Grand Prix on 11 October, although any decision would need to be made before Formula 1’s August break.
Malaysia last hosted a Formula 1 race in 2017, ending a 19-year run at Sepang after the event struggled with declining attendance and rising hosting costs. However, the circuit has remained on the MotoGP calendar and holds the FIA grade required to stage Formula 1 events.
Sepang could also benefit from Malaysia’s existing ties with the sport, with national oil company Petronas continuing as a major partner of Mercedes, one of Formula 1’s leading teams.
Japan’s Suzuka Circuit was another Asian option being considered, although one source said teams were less enthusiastic about returning there for a second race this season.
Formula 1 is also monitoring uncertainty surrounding the final Middle East races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, with additional replacement venues including Portugal’s Portimao Circuit and Barcelona reportedly being considered.
A return to Sepang would mark Malaysia’s first Formula 1 weekend since the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen won ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Daniel Ricciardo.
