Malaysia Could Reclaim Formula One Spot Amid Bahrain Uncertainty

WHO:

Bloomberg Markets - Mohammed Taufiq Johari, Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister

Fox News - President Trump, IndyCar champions Alex Palou and Felix Rosenqvist

WHAT:

Bloomberg Markets - Malaysia could host a Formula One race for the first time in nine years.

Fox News - The Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix were both removed from the Formula 1 calendar due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Fox News - Formula 1 is considering backup plans if they cannot reschedule the Bahrain Grand Prix originally scheduled for April.

Fox News - The FIA's World Motor Sport Council is meeting to discuss racing in the Middle East.

WHERE:

Bloomberg Markets - Malaysia

Fox News - Sepang Circuit, Malaysia; Bahrain; Saudi Arabia; Qatar; Abu Dhabi; Singapore

WHEN:

Fox News - The Bahrain Grand Prix was originally scheduled for April.

Fox News - A potential race in Bahrain could be rescheduled for the weekend of Oct. 4.

Fox News - The World Endurance Championship's season finale in Bahrain is slated for early November.

WHY:

Bloomberg Markets - The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has created uncertainty around the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Fox News - The situation in the Middle East has already caused Formula 1 to cancel two races.

HOW:

Fox News - Formula 1 is exploring the possibility of returning to Malaysia's Sepang Circuit as a replacement for the Bahrain Grand Prix.

(UPDATED July 24, 2026 08:47 UTC)

Malaysia's Youth and Sports Minister, Mohammed Taufiq Johari, announced that the country could host a Formula One race for the first time in nine years, as Formula 1 considers backup plans due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East that has already led to the cancellation of two races. The Bahrain Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April, may be rescheduled for the weekend of October 4, while the FIA's World Motor Sport Council is meeting to discuss the situation and the potential return to Malaysia's Sepang Circuit. Meanwhile, the World Endurance Championship's season finale in Bahrain is set for early November, adding to the uncertainty surrounding racing in the region.