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Formula 1 schedules Malaysia as replacement for Middle East GPs, provisional date early October
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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 potential date is the first weekend of October, between races in Baku and Singapore, with Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit being logistically convenient near Singapore. The last Formula 1 race in Malaysia was in 2017, won by Max Verstappen. Malaysia's Sports Minister confirmed the government received initial information about the possibility. Additionally, races in Qatar (November) and Abu Dhabi (December) remain uncertain, with Portimão in Portugal considered as a potential European replacement. Formula 1 needs at least 22 races in its season to fulfill TV rights and sponsor obligations, creating pressure to find alternative tracks.
Source report
Malaysia – A new track layout is set to join the Formula 1 calendar. Malaysia will step in at short notice as a replacement race for the Grands Prix in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain.
In mid-March, Formula 1 removed Saudi Arabia and Bahrain from the calendar. The reason remains the tense security situation in the Middle East due to the Iran war.
The first weekend of October, between the races in Baku and Singapore, is considered a potential date. Malaysia is logistically conveniently located near Singapore.
The last race in Malaysia took place in 2017, when Max Verstappen won the Grand Prix in Kuala Lumpur. In a statement, Malaysia's Sports Minister said the government had "received initial information about the possibility of holding a Formula 1 race at the Sepang International Circuit as a replacement for the Bahrain Grand Prix."
Formula 1 Race in Malaysia
Formula 1 last raced in Malaysia in 2017. Photo: Srdjan Suki/dpa
The races at the end of the season also remain uncertain due to the tense situation surrounding the Iran war. Whether the tires will squeal in Qatar (November) and Abu Dhabi (December) is still completely unclear. A European city could step in there. Portimão, the coastal town on the Portuguese Algarve, is considered a candidate.
Formula 1 needs at least 22 races in its season calendar to fulfill its obligations through TV rights and sponsors. There is therefore significant pressure in the search for alternative racetracks.
Source
BILD - SportWestern
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F1 Relocates Bahrain Grand Prix to Malaysia Amid Middle East Conflict