Malaysia could be on the verge of making a dramatic return to the Formula 1 calendar, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirming that an official announcement will be made on Sunday, July 26.
“With regards to F1, we will make an announcement on Sunday,” Anwar told reporters after attending an event in Penang on Saturday.
The announcement is expected to confirm Sepang International Circuit’s return to Formula 1 in October, with Malaysia poised to host the Bahrain Grand Prix after the Middle Eastern nation’s race was cancelled because of the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
If approved, it would mark F1’s first race at Sepang since 2017.
Sepang In Line To Replace Bahrain
Discussions over Malaysia’s return have gathered pace in recent weeks. Youth
and Sports Minister Mohd Taufiq Johari revealed that the government had received early indications that Formula 1 was exploring the possibility of bringing the championship back to Sepang.
According to The Race, Sepang is expected to host the Bahrain Grand Prix on October 2-4, one week before the Singapore Grand Prix, creating a run of three consecutive race weekends alongside Azerbaijan.
While the deal has reportedly been agreed in principle by Formula 1, it is still awaiting final approval from the FIA before becoming official.
The change became necessary after Bahrain and Saudi Arabia’s April races were postponed in March because of the conflict in the Middle East.
F1 had hoped Bahrain could be rescheduled later in the year, but with no resolution in sight and logistical deadlines approaching, organisers opted to move the race instead.
More Calendar Changes Possible
The conflict has also cast doubt over the season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, currently scheduled for late November and early December.
Formula 1 is expected to decide their fate in September. If either event cannot go ahead, Imola in Italy has emerged as the leading replacement venue, while Portugal’s Portimão and Turkey’s Istanbul Park remain alternative options, although both face logistical and infrastructure challenges.
Originally planned as a 24-race season, the calendar has already been reduced to 22 events. Losing all four Middle Eastern races would leave Formula 1 with just 20 grands prix, a scenario the championship is keen to avoid because it could trigger contractual obligations with broadcasters and commercial partners.
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-178513928255678083.webp)
