Malaysia Could Host F1 Race This Year If Middle East Conflict Disrupts Calendar

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Malaysia has emerged as a potential host for a Formula 1 race this year as the sport looks to replace at least one cancelled round on the 2026 calendar

The 2026 Formula 1 World Championship was originally scheduled to feature 24 races. However, the Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which were due to take place in April, were cancelled.

According to international motorsport reports, F1 was close to reinstating the Bahrain Grand Prix with a new date in early October. However, escalating tensions in the Middle East in recent weeks have cast fresh doubt over those plans.

As a result, the Malaysian Grand Prix is reportedly being considered as a surprise replacement round

According to The Race, Sepang International Circuit could host a race on 4 October if approved, fitting neatly into the schedule between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on 26 September and the Singapore Grand Prix on 11 October.

Malaysia is also being considered amid concerns that the season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi may also be unable to proceed

F1's alternatives in Europe are relatively limited at that time of year due to colder weather, although Portugal's Portimão and Turkey's Istanbul Park have also been mentioned as possible backup venues, reported Sky Sports.

The last Malaysian Grand Prix was held at Sepang International Circuit in 2017. The race was widely regarded as one of the most physically demanding on the F1 calendar due to Malaysia's intense heat and humidity.