Kuala lumpur: Malaysia could make a swift return to the Formula One calendar this year if the ongoing conflict in Iran continues to disrupt scheduled races, as reported by the specialist website the-race.com. The situation has already led to the postponement of April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, trimming the initially planned 24-race calendar to 22, as disclosed by the German news agency dpa.
According to Nam News Network, Formula One administrators are exploring further alternatives if the final two races of the year, scheduled for November 29 in Qatar and December 6 in Abu Dhabi, also face cancellations due to the ongoing West Asian conflict. Prior to the recent escalation, there were aspirations to reschedule the Bahrain Grand Prix for the first weekend of October, wedged between the Azerbaijan and Singapore races. However, this prospect seems improbable now, with relations between the US and Iran intensifying.
Malaysia, alongside Turkey, emerges as a viable candidate for the race on October 4, as per the report. An early decision regarding the proposed October race is anticipated as the championship gears up for its mid-season hiatus following the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest, with racing set to recommence at the end of August.
The Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia was a prominent feature on the Formula One calendar from 1999 until 2017 before being removed due to escalating hosting expenses and sanctioning fees. On the other hand, Portugal's Portimo circuit is considered a backup venue for the season finale if the Abu Dhabi race on December 6 cannot proceed. The Algarve circuit previously hosted Formula One races in 2020 and 2021 as replacements during the COVID-19 pandemic and is already slated to return in 2027 and 2028.