KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia is poised to make a dramatic return to the Formula One calendar, with the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) expected to host a replacement race in October if the Bahrain Grand Prix is cancelled due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Meetings between the Youth and Sports Ministry and the International Automobile Association (FIA) on Saturday indicate talks were positive for the revival of the race – however it will not be called the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Instead it is the Bahrain Grand Prix hosted by Malaysia.
This is a follow up meeting to discussions in London between FIA and Sepang International Circuit.
Motorsport industry sources said the proposed race is expected to be held between Oct 2 and Oct 4 – a week before the Singapore Grand Prix.
Formula 1 has been looking for a venue to host the Bahrain Grand Prix following votality in East Asia due to the conflict between the US and Iran over the Straits of Hormuz.
The development comes as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hinted that an announcement on Formula One would be made tomorrow, although he stopped short of confirming Malaysia’s return to the calendar.
“F1, we will announce on Sunday,” Anwar told reporters after an event on Penang today.
Among factors Malaysia will be looking at is how much FIA will be subsidising the cost.
It can cost up to USD150 million to hold a single race, with hosting fees alone priced at USD25-30 million.
Malaysia hosted Formula One at the Sepang International Circuit from 1999 until 2017, with the venue widely regarded as one of the sport’s premier circuits in Asia.
The race was dropped after the 2017 season due to rising hosting costs and declining spectator attendance. – July 25, 2026