Formula 1 confirms Malaysia as replacement for Middle East GPs, Sepang return eyed for early October

Published Jul 25, 01:56 PM UTC

Formula 1 has scheduled a new race in Malaysia as a short-notice replacement for the Grands Prix in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain, which were removed from the calendar in mid-March due to the tense security situation in the Middle East caused by the Iran war. The race is expected to take place at the Sepang International Circuit, with the first weekend of October considered a potential date, conveniently located between races in Baku and Singapore. Malaysia's Sports Minister confirmed the government received initial information about the possibility. The last Formula 1 race in Malaysia was in 2017, won by Max Verstappen. Additionally, the end-of-season races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain uncertain due to the ongoing conflict, with Portimão in Portugal considered as a potential European replacement. Formula 1 needs at least 22 races to fulfill TV rights and sponsor obligations.

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