Malaysia explores surprise F1 return as Bahrain Grand Prix faces doubt

Malaysia could make a surprise return to the Formula 1 calendar later this season as doubts grow over whether the Bahrain Grand Prix can go ahead amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, according to [Crash.net](https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1101617/1/malaysia-exploring-surprise-f1-return-bahrain-plan-doubt).

The Malaysian government has received initial information about organising a race at Sepang International Circuit, which last hosted F1 in 2017 when Max Verstappen took victory. Portimao, Imola, and Istanbul have also been mooted as alternative venues.

The ongoing conflict has cast doubt on F1's planned Middle Eastern rounds, including the season-ending Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. The US-Israeli war on Iran has also thrown F1's plan to reinstate the Bahrain Grand Prix into uncertainty.

F1 is hoping to restore Bahrain to the calendar in the current gap between the Baku and Singapore rounds on October 4, a move that would create an additional triple-header. However, with the conflict ongoing, uncertainty is increasing.

F1 president Stefano Domenicali said a decision on Bahrain must be made before the summer break.

Sources

• Crash.net