Nine years after Formula 1 last raced in Malaysia, the Sepang International Circuit will return to the calendar in October 2-4, slotting between rounds in Baku, Azerbaijan and Singapore to create a triple-header of back-to-back races.
The event, which is subject to final agreements and official sign-off, including the approval of the World Motor Sport Council, will become the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Possible venues for season-ender
Adding Malaysia increases the current schedule to 23 races, but the inability of Bahrain to host a race in October creates major doubt over whether the final two rounds of the season – in Qatar (Nov 27-29) and Abu Dhabi (Dec 4-6) – will be able to go ahead. F1’s original calendar was for 24 races but Bahrain and Saudi Arabia GP in April were called off due to the Iran War.
Ferrari’s home circuit of Imola in Italy has emerged as a likely host for the season-ender if the Middle East races do not take place, while Portugal and Turkey, both of which return to the sport’s calendar in 2027, are other possible alternatives.
Sepang known for high speed corners, unpredictable weather and passionate fans
The 5.5km circuit hosted the first of 19 consecutive Grands Prix from 1999 to 2017. It was removed from the calendar due to rising hosting costs and licensing fees.
Sepang’s layout proved popular with both drivers and spectators. The blend of high-speed corners and hairpins made for a technical and demanding lap, and dramatic changes in conditions made race day in Malaysia unpredictable and unmissable viewing.
F1’s latest trip to Sepang, a home race for Mercedes-AMG’s Title and Technical Partner, PETRONAS, will form round 16 of this year’s World Championship. Their drivers are George Russell and Kimi Antonelli who both said that they are delighted and eager to race at Sepang for the first time.
The motor sports community in Malaysia has been buzzing with excitement with news of the announcement whilst fans and content creators have flooded social media with nostalgic clips of past.
Max Verstappen was the last driver to win a F1 Grand Prix at Sepang back in 2017.
F1 CEO expresses gratitude to the kings of Bahrain and Malaysia
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said, “I would like to express our sincere thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, as well as their respective governments for making this extraordinary outcome possible through their vision, commitment, and decisive action.
“Most importantly, this is fantastic news for our fans. They will continue to enjoy a full and exciting Formula 1 calendar, while also seeing the sport return to a great venue. Malaysia is an incredible country, and Sepang holds a special place in Formula 1 history. It will provide a spectacular setting for racing and an unforgettable experience for fans at the circuit and watching around the world.”
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