Malaysia Eyes Sepang Return to Replace F1's Bahrain Grand Prix

Malaysia is exploring a potential Formula 1 return at Sepang this October to replace the increasingly unlikely Bahrain Grand Prix, as renewed Middle Eastern conflict effectively dashes hopes of reviving the Sakhir race between the Azerbaijan and Singapore rounds.

Why it matters:

Filling the October gap is essential to preventing a disruptive hole in the 2026 calendar, and Kuala Lumpur's proximity to Singapore offers a rare logistical solution. A Sepang comeback would end an eight-year absence for Malaysian fans while giving F1 a stable regional foothold amid ongoing political volatility.

The details:

• Malaysia's Youth and Sports Minister confirmed receiving preliminary information to host at Sepang as a Bahrain substitute, with government discussions now actively underway.
• F1 has supplied logistical requirements rather than a formal bid, leaving local authorities to determine if the MotoGP venue can accommodate grand prix racing again after its 2017 exit.
• While Kuala Lumpur remains the most logical option on the table, sources indicate the gap could still remain empty if infrastructure demands cannot be resolved on short notice.
• F1 is also safeguarding its season finale, with Portimao ready to replace Qatar and Abu Dhabi if needed, serving as an early test for the Portuguese venue's planned 2027 return.

What's next:

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has set a mid-September deadline to finalize the closing rounds, giving Malaysia limited time to complete its assessment. If Sepang clears its internal hurdles, the circuit could secure a dramatic return to the grid just weeks before teams are scheduled to arrive in Southeast Asia.