A fan-favourite track has emerged as a possible stop on the 2026 F1 calendar. The Malaysian GP circuit in Sepang is being considered by F1 bosses if races in the Middle East can't go ahead due to the ongoing conflict in the region.
F1 had considered adding a race between the races in Azerbaijan and Singapore in October. The Bahrain GP, which was cancelled earlier in the season, was due to take that slot, but tensions and hostilities in the region have led to uncertainty about whether the race can go ahead.
With F1 wanting to tie down whether a race can be held in Bahrain as soon as possible, other options have been drafted. A return to Sepang for the first time since 2017 is a possibility. The question is, will the much-loved track suit modern F1 cars?
How will the 2026 F1 challengers work in Malaysia?
Last weekend at the Belgian GP, many cars had battery recharge issues, meaning they had little to no power at vital parts of the track. Drivers complained about having to charge throughout the middle part of the lap to have enough charge for the final sector.
Cadillac driver Sergio Perez said: "I think Spa right now with the current regulations is not a good place for Formula 1 to be, to be honest. What I saw was not Formula 1."
Malaysia shares some of the a similar issue to Spa. The track has two long, back-to-back straights, separated by a hairpin. This means drivers might not have enough electrical charge to complete both straights. As seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton put it, "It's just the straights where the engine dies."
The problem is that long straights simultaneously doesn't give the battery enough time to recharge. This leaves the cars down on power through critical parts of the lap. This is a major issue that the FIA and F1 need to rectify through this current engine cycle.
Will the Malaysian GP actually return?
↗︎According to The Race, the Malaysian GP is one of the leading contenders to make a return to the calendar. They report a decision on whether the Bahrain GP can be held is imminent. If they deem it unsafe to do so, then a replacement is likely to be called up.
Due to the timing of when it can be held, a European race is unlikely to be added. A race in Asia makes most sense, with it being wedged in between the Azerbaijan and Singapore race weekends. Malaysia is close to Singapore, so logistically it would make sense.
The track is also a favourite amongst fans and drivers. Fans have been calling for its return since it fell off the grid. Sepang hosted races for 18 years and has seen many classics over the years. It only fell off the grid after the track decided it couldn't pay the hosting fees.
Another option being spoken about is F1 returning to Turkey. The Istanbul Park Circuit will host Grand Prix races from the 2027 season and is ready to go. They also hosted races during the Covid-19-affected seasons, showing they are adaptable.
Turkey also boarders Azerbiajan, meaning it would fit into the slot which is being mooted. These are the two more likely options should Bahrain not go ahead. But which track would you like to see come in? Let us know in the comments below.
