The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix were cancelled earlier this year due to the war in Iran, reducing the season from its planned 24 rounds.
Saudi Arabia was not expected to be rescheduled, while Formula 1 had been considering moving Bahrain to October 4 between the Azerbaijan and Singapore grands prix.
Those plans became increasingly unlikely following a further escalation in the Middle East, including Iranian missile strikes on Bahrain.
Formula 1 consequently began evaluating alternative venues for the vacant weekend, with several circuits understood to have offered to host a replacement race.
Malaysia’s Sepang circuit emerged as the strongest candidate due to its proximity to Singapore and the relative ease of transporting teams and equipment between the two events.
The circuit is also located close to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, making it better placed to organise a race at short notice than many of the other available options.
Click here to find out how.
Sepang hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix every year between 1999 and 2017, with the event becoming known for its demanding heat, humidity and unpredictable weather.
The circuit has remained in regular use since leaving the F1 calendar, including as the host of Malaysia’s MotoGP round.
The Malaysian Grand Prix was originally dropped after organisers struggled to justify F1’s hosting costs, despite the circuit remaining popular among drivers and fans.
A return on October 4 would create a run of three consecutive races, beginning with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 26 before Malaysia and Singapore on October 11.
The desire to fill the weekend increased because Formula 1 was also facing uncertainty over the final two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for November 29, with the Abu Dhabi finale set to follow on December 6, but both remain vulnerable to the security situation in the region.
Formula 1 is expected to delay decisions on those races for as long as possible, although the fate of Bahrain could be determined before the summer shutdown.
The FIA World Motor Sport Council is also due to consider whether World Endurance Championship events in Qatar and Bahrain can proceed later in the year.
A decision to cancel those races on safety grounds would effectively end Bahrain’s chances of returning to the F1 calendar in October.
Turkey has also been mentioned as a possible replacement because of its proximity to Azerbaijan, while Portimao in Portugal is being considered as an option later in the season.
Discussion about this post