Formula 1 Shifts Bahrain Grand Prix to Malaysia Amid Regional Conflict
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
The Oct. 4 race moves to Sepang International Circuit as the escalating Iran war forces calendar changes.
Formula 1 and the FIA announced Sunday that the Bahrain Grand Prix has been rescheduled to take place in Malaysia on Oct. 4. According to reporting from Sportsnet, the event will be held at the Sepang International Circuit, marking the sport's return to Malaysia after a nine-year absence. The race is positioned on the calendar between events in Singapore and Azerbaijan, pending approval from the FIA's world motor sport council.
F1 leadership decided to cancel previously scheduled races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, which were slated for March and April, due to the escalation of the Iran war. Despite the change in location, F1 stated the event will retain Bahrain Grand Prix branding. Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, described the move as a reflection of his country's passion for the sport and its role as a pillar of stability during regional challenges.
F1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali characterized the return to Sepang as fantastic news for fans. While Malaysia has focused on motorcycle racing since 2017, it has maintained ties to the sport via state-owned oil company Petronas' sponsorship of Mercedes.
Sportsnet reports that the move raises uncertainty regarding other Gulf region events. The Qatar Grand Prix in November and the Abu Dhabi season finale in December remain on the schedule, though their status depends on the security situation. If those races are cancelled, the Nov. 21 Las Vegas Grand Prix could serve as the season finale. Potential replacements in Italy and Portugal have reportedly been discussed, though weather concerns persist.