Malaysia has emerged as a potential replacement Formula 1 venue this season as hopes of rescheduling the cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix continue to fade.
Sources at the Hungarian Grand Prix said several options were being considered, with Sepang International Circuit understood to be on the list. No final decision has been made.
The most likely date would fall between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku on September 26 and the Singapore Grand Prix on October 11. That slot would allow Formula 1 to combine two Asian events while avoiding another standalone long-distance journey for teams and freight operators.
However, the circuit remains active through MotoGP and retains the FIA grade required to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Malaysia also maintains a commercial connection to the championship through state energy company Petronas, Mercedes’ long-standing title and technical partner.
Two races cancelled so far
Suzuka has reportedly been considered as another Asian alternative. However, there appears to be limited enthusiasm among teams for returning to Japan for a second race this season.
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, originally scheduled for April, were cancelled following the outbreak of conflict involving Iran. Formula 1 had explored returning to Bahrain later in the season, with discussions previously believed to be progressing.
Those prospects have now weakened after regional tensions escalated again, forcing championship organisers to consider venues outside the Middle East. Uncertainty also surrounds the scheduled final rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, which are due to take place in late November and early December.
Both events remain on the calendar, but Formula 1 is understood to be preparing contingency plans should the security situation deteriorate further. For logistical reasons, any decision on a Bahrain replacement would need to be made before the August break following Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
Portimao on standby should Qatar not happen
The FIA World Motor Sport Council is expected to vote this weekend on postponed World Endurance Championship races scheduled for Bahrain and Qatar. Those October and November rounds are expected to be moved to European circuits, with Formula 1 understood to be awaiting the outcome.
A decision to relocate the endurance races would further reduce expectations that Bahrain can return to the Formula 1 calendar this year. Portugal’s Portimao circuit has also been mentioned as a possible replacement, particularly if Qatar or Abu Dhabi are cancelled.
Portimao will return to Formula 1 next season under a two-year agreement and previously hosted races in 2020 and 2021. Its warmer Algarve climate makes it one of the few European venues capable of staging a Grand Prix during the winter months. Barcelona has also been discussed as another possible option.
Formula 1 originally scheduled a 24-race championship for 2026. The cancellations of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia reduced the calendar to 22 rounds. Adding Malaysia or another replacement venue would help satisfy broadcasting commitments and restore the season to 23 races.
Sepang’s location, existing infrastructure and FIA approval make it a realistic solution. Formula 1 must now decide before the paddock begins its summer shutdown.
(Reporting by Agnes Carlier at Hungaroring)