The Malaysian government is currently undertaking a feasibility study regarding the potential hosting of a Formula One Grand Prix later this year. This consideration arises as ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to pose a threat to the latter stages of the 2026 Formula One season.
Mohammed Taufiq Johari, the Youth and Sports Minister, confirmed that discussions are actively underway, and a proposal is being assessed. He also stated that preliminary information has been received concerning the possibility of hosting a race at Sepang. The Sepang International Circuit previously hosted Formula One races from 1999 to 2017.
Middle East Instability Impacts F1 Calendar
The original calendar for Formula One included 24 races. However, events scheduled for Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in April were cancelled due to the ongoing conflict. There is also uncertainty surrounding upcoming races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Initially, it appeared that Bahrain, which had its race called off earlier in the year, was close to securing an October 4 slot between races in Baku and Singapore. However, an escalation in the conflict between America and Iran has diminished the likelihood of this reprieve. The continued uncertainty regarding the situation in the Middle East, particularly in light of missile strikes from Iran, makes committing to a Bahrain race seem highly improbable at this time.
A decision regarding the fate of the Bahrain Grand Prix is anticipated soon. This decision could be expedited by an expected ruling this weekend from the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council concerning its World Endurance Championship races in the Middle East. Earlier this year, the FIA postponed the WEC Qatar race until October 24, with its season finale planned for Bahrain on November 7.
The WMSC’s decision on these races, which will be primarily based on safety considerations, is expected to influence Formula One’s approach to its Middle Eastern events, potentially leading to cancellations or commitments. While a final decision on the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix events may be delayed for several weeks, Formula One reportedly aims to make a decision on Bahrain before the summer break.
Sepang Emerges as a Potential Alternative
Even if the Bahrain race is deemed unfeasible, there is a desire within Formula One to utilise that October weekend between Baku and Singapore for a race. This desire has grown due to the uncertainty surrounding the final events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, which could reduce the current 22 scheduled race weekends.
Finding suitable alternative locations for a race to fill this gap presents logistical challenges, particularly concerning the transportation of freight. A return to Europe, for instance, would not be possible. Turkey could be considered an option, given its proximity to Baku.
However, sources indicate that Malaysia’s Sepang circuit is a leading contender. Its geographical proximity to Singapore and its location right by an airport make it capable of facilitating a quick turnaround event. Sepang, which hosted its last Formula One race in 2017, remains in regular use for MotoGP and other international series. The circuit was removed from the Formula One calendar due to the high hosting fees demanded at the time.
While Formula One is expected to defer decisions on the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races, it is actively evaluating end-of-season options for replacement events. Portimao in Portugal is considered the most likely candidate for a replacement, potentially serving as the season finale on December 6, two weeks after the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The Malaysian government’s ongoing feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix highlights the dynamic nature of the Formula One calendar in response to global events.
Source: dawn.com
