Middle East Uncertainty Forces F1 to Scramble for Alternatives

Formula 1 is weighing up a sensational return to Malaysia as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to wreak havoc on the 2026 calendar, The Athletic has learned.

The Malaysian Grand Prix has emerged as a potential option to slot back into the schedule between the rounds in Azerbaijan on September 26 and Singapore on October 11, filling a gap created by the cancellation of two Middle Eastern races earlier this year.

F1 called off the Bahrain Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April 12, due to the outbreak of the Iran war. One week later, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was also cancelled, provisionally dropping the calendar from 24 races to 22.

Bahrain Reinstatement Plans Hit by Fresh Hostilities

A ceasefire between the United States and Iran had initially boosted hopes of getting Bahrain back on the schedule, with the most likely slot lying in the gap between the Azerbaijan and Singapore rounds. However, a recent resumption of hostilities in the Middle East has led to fresh uncertainty over whether the Sakhir circuit can be reinstated.

Multiple sources, speaking on condition of anonymity to protect relationships, have indicated that a return to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia has now emerged as a leading option to fill that void.

Sepang: A Driver Favourite Ready to Return

The circuit on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur would be ideally placed geographically for the paddock ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, with Sepang less than one hour away by plane from Marina Bay.

The Malaysian Grand Prix was a mainstay on the F1 calendar between 1999 and 2017, only dropping off the schedule due to concerns about the financial viability of the event. Max Verstappen won the final edition of the race at Sepang in 2017.

The track was widely liked by drivers throughout its time on the calendar and has continued to host top-line international motorsport events, including MotoGP, since its final grand prix. Crucially, the circuit still holds an FIA 'Grade 1' license required to host Formula 1, meaning it could be ready to race at short notice.

Although Malaysia is a serious consideration to boost the 2026 calendar if required, no agreement has been made nor has any final decision been taken.

WEC Also Forced to Pivot Away from Region

The ripple effects of the Middle East instability extend beyond Formula 1. The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the premier sports car racing series, is poised to scrap its plans to return to the region later this year.

WEC's postponed season-opener in Qatar had been rescheduled to October 24 before hosting its final round in Bahrain on November 7. But neither of these races is now set to go ahead, with an announcement anticipated in the coming days confirming the final two rounds of the WEC season will instead be held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain and at Monza in Italy.

Season Finale Races in the Balance

F1 has a further two races planned in the Middle East to conclude its season. The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for November 29 ahead of the finale in Abu Dhabi on December 6.

The longer lead time ahead of both events, combined with freight logistics, means F1 can likely wait until the end of September to make a call on these races, buying time for a possible de-escalation of tensions in the region.

Derek Chang, CEO of F1's parent company Liberty Media, said in May the sport would be "thoughtful in our approach" over any possible rescheduling, noting the possible financial impact of losing races from the calendar would "not change our confidence in the sport's long-term trajectory."

With the autumn rounds fast approaching and no resolution to the Middle East conflict in sight, F1 faces a race against time to finalise its calendar — and Sepang may yet prove to be the answer.