Malaysia emerges as likely Bahrain replacement

Malaysia has emerged as a leading candidate for a surprise return to the Formula 1 calendar as renewed conflict involving Iran further weakens Bahrain’s chances of hosting a replacement race.

Multiple outlets, including Reuters, The New York Times, Sky Sports, De Telegraaf and Malaysia’s New Straits Times, report that Sepang is under consideration for the vacant October 4 date between Azerbaijan and Singapore.

No decision has yet been made, but Formula 1 is understood to want clarity before the summer break because of the major logistical challenge involved.

Sepang’s location near Kuala Lumpur International Airport and less than an hour by air from Singapore makes it one of the most practical alternatives.

Malaysia hosted Formula 1 from 1999 until 2017, when Max Verstappen won the final race before rising fees and declining attendance ended the event.

The renewed interest follows another apparent collapse of plans to restore Bahrain to the calendar.

According to Japan’s as-web.jp, Bahrain Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa made a discreet visit to Spa last weekend and met Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali, leading team figures and manufacturer representatives.

The report said he was attempting to convince the paddock that Bahrain could safely host a race during the first week of October.

However, the situation deteriorated again almost immediately, with Iran reportedly attacking a US airbase in Sakhir. The base is adjacent to the Bahrain International Circuit, with its runway reportedly just 150 metres from Turn 4.

Suzuka has also been mentioned as an alternative option for F1, but one source said teams have less enthusiasm for returning to Japan for a second race this season.

Formula 1 is also awaiting this weekend’s FIA World Motor Sport Council decision regarding postponed World Endurance Championship races in Bahrain and Qatar.

The status of the Qatar and Abu Dhabi grands prix later in the year may remain unresolved until approximately mid-September.

Should either or both disappear, Portimao is widely regarded as the strongest replacement option for the season finale, with Istanbul and Imola also mentioned.

George Russell hopes Formula 1 finds enough replacements to preserve the full calendar.

"I’d love to have a 24-race season and get as many races as possible between here and the end of the season," the Mercedes driver said in Hungary.

"That doesn’t change whether I was in the lead or second or third or fourth. I want to go racing, I love racing, I love the fight, and I hope, if we don’t race in the Middle East, there’s two replacements."

"I hope we can find maybe a race between Baku and Singapore. I’d be happy to go racing every weekend if I could."