Formula 1 is preparing to return to Malaysia as it seeks to stage the postponed Bahrain Grand Prix amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
According to the BBC, the Sepang International Circuit near Kuala Lumpur is expected to host the race from 2 to 4 October. The event would be held in Malaysia but officially presented as the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The plan has been arranged by Formula 1 and is expected to be officially announced in the coming days, although it still requires formal approval from the FIA.
Sepang set for F1 return after nine years
Sepang has not hosted a Formula 1 race since 2017. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won the last Grand Prix held at the circuit.
If the race goes ahead, it would create three consecutive race weekends in Azerbaijan, Malaysia and Singapore.
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were postponed in March after the outbreak of war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Formula 1 had initially hoped to reschedule the Bahrain race in October, but with no clear end to the conflict and logistical deadlines approaching, the sport has been forced to look for an alternative venue.
Malaysia is now the preferred solution.
Season-ending races also remain uncertain
The ongoing conflict has also created uncertainty around the final two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for the final weekend of November, with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix set to follow in the first weekend of December. A decision on whether those races can go ahead does not have to be made until September.
However, a number of alternative venues are already being considered.
Imola is currently viewed as the most likely replacement if the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races cannot be staged. The Italian circuit hosted the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix between 2020 and 2025 and previously featured on the F1 calendar from 1980 to 2006.
Portimão in Portugal and Istanbul Park in Turkey are also among the potential alternatives, although both are considered significantly less likely.
Both circuits have construction work to complete before their planned official returns to the calendar next year. Hosting a race in early December would create additional logistical challenges.
F1 wants to avoid a 20-race season
The cancellation of the four Middle Eastern races would reduce the originally planned 24-race calendar to 20 events.
Formula 1 is keen to stage at least 21 races during the season. Falling below that number could activate contractual clauses requiring the sport to repay certain broadcasting rights fees. Some teams could also face implications related to sponsorship agreements.
Malaysia’s return would therefore provide Formula 1 with a crucial additional race while also marking the return of the sport to Sepang for the first time since 2017.
However, the future of the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix remains dependent on the ongoing situation in the Middle East.