Malaysia back in the Formula One frame as Bahrain’s hopes recede

BUDAPEST – The Malaysian Grand Prix could return to the Formula One calendar as a stand-in in the 2026 season as hopes of racing in Bahrain recede due to conflict in the region, informed sources said on July 23.

The grands prix at Sakhir and Saudi Arabia (Jeddah) in April were called off due to the Iran war but attempts to reschedule a round in Bahrain had looked promising until the situation flared up again.

Multiple sources at the Hungarian Grand Prix told Reuters there were a number of replacement options being looked at, with nothing decided, but Malaysia’s Sepang circuit was one of those on the list.

A likely slot would be between Baku on Sept 26 and Singapore on Oct 11.

Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister Mohammed Taufiq Johari confirmed on July 24 that the country was being considered as a replacement host, citing information received by the ministry and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The ministry was carrying out detailed discussions and studies on the matter, Taufiq said in a statement, adding that any further developments would be announced once finalised.

“The Prime Minister and the Ministry of Youth and Sports have received preliminary information regarding the possibility of hosting a Formula One race at the Sepang International Circuit as a replacement for the Bahrain Grand Prix,” the statement read.

“In this regard, the Ministry of Youth and Sports is actively conducting discussions and assessing the proposal.”

Malaysia last hosted a Formula One Grand Prix in 2017 but has remained on the MotoGP calendar and is of the grade required by governing body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA).

State oil company Petronas is also a partner of current Formula One leaders Mercedes.

Another alternative in the Asian region was Japan’s Suzuka circuit, but one source said there was less appetite from teams to return there for a second time this season.

The Middle East is due to host the year’s last two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi in late November and early December, and while they remain scheduled at present, there is lingering uncertainty.

For logistical reasons, any decision on a replacement for Bahrain would need to be taken before the August break, which follows the race at the Hungaroring on July 26.

The FIA’s World Motor Sport Council is due to vote this weekend on postponed World Endurance Championship (WEC) rounds scheduled for Bahrain and Qatar in October and November, with the expectation that they will be moved to European circuits.

Formula One is understood to be awaiting the outcome of that vote. Portugal’s Portimao circuit, due to return next season as part of a two-year deal, has also been touted as a likely host to increase the number of races should Qatar and Abu Dhabi be forced to drop out. Barcelona may also be an option.

Given the warmer climate in Portugal’s Algarve region, the circuit near Faro is seen as one of few in Europe able to host Formula One in the winter months.

Formula One’s 2026 season was originally scheduled as a 24-race championship and the addition of replacement races would satisfy broadcast deals and could bring the number to 22 or 23.

Mercedes driver George Russell, who is third in the drivers’ championship, 50 points behind teammate and leader Kimi Antonelli, is also open to adding more races to the schedule to make up for Bahrain and Saudi Arabia being cancelled.

“I’d love to have a 24-race season and get as many races as possible between here and the end of the season. That doesn’t change whether I was in the lead or second or third or fourth (in the standings),” the Briton told Sky Sports.

“I want to go racing, I love racing, I love the fight, and I hope, if we don’t race in the Middle East, there’s two replacements. I hope we can find maybe a race between Baku and Singapore. I’d be happy to go racing every weekend if I could.” REUTERS, AFP