Malaysia returns to the F1 calendar for the first time since 2017 as axed Bahrain Grand Prix is replaced

MALAYSIA has officially been added to the F1 calendar this season. The race will take place on October 4 between Baku and Singapore as a replacement for the Bahrain Grand Prix which was called off earlier this year. Max Verstappen won the last race in Malaysia, ahead of second-place Lewis Hamilton and Daniel Ricciardo in third Credit: Alamy Live News Verstappen was 18-years-old at the time Credit: Getty Bahrain was recently close to getting the green light to rejoin the calendar, but these plans were axed due to an unsuccessful ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The race will be called the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, with Malaysia and Sapang agreeing to host the race under the Bahrain name. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “We have all shown once again that Formula 1 can adapt, find solutions and deliver results and give a great surprise to everyone following our sport. “Most importantly, this is excellent news for our fans, who will continue to enjoy a packed calendar and the opportunity to see Formula 1 return to one of the sport’s most iconic circuits. “Malaysia is an incredible country and Sepang has a rich history in Formula 1 and will provide a fantastic spectacle for fans both at the track and watching around the world.” Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit near Kuala Lumpar last hosted an F1 race in 2017 – which Max Verstappen won and Lewis Hamilton came second. Malaysia dropped out of F1’s schedule due to rising hosting costs, declining ticket sales and increased regional competition. The decision came just as Liberty Media took over the series from CVC Capital and propelled it to new heights. Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Bahrain and Saudi Arabia both had their April races postponed after the USA and Israel launched war against Iran. There is yet to be a decision made over the final two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. The best travel deals for F1 NOTHING comes close to the thrill of a live Grand Prix – and YOU can be there to see it all. Get the full F1 experience with these unbeatable deals. 🇳🇱 HOLLAND – 20 to 25 Aug – From £1,089pp 🇮🇹 ITALY – 3 to 8 Sept – From £789pp 🇦🇿 AZERBAIJAN – 22 to 27 Sept – From £1,399pp 🇸🇬 SINGAPORE– 7 to 14 Oct – From £1,999pp 🇺🇸 AUSTIN, USA – 21 to 26 Oct – From £2,799pp 🇶🇦 QATAR – 27 to 29 Nov – From £1,049pp 🇦🇪 ABU DHABI – 4 to 6 Dec – From £2,049pp See ALL our F1 travel offers HERE *If you click on a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. Imola in Italy has emerged as the most likely option to host the season finale, although a decision does not need to be made until September. One possibility was Portimao in Portugal, a circuit which will return to the calendar for 2027 and 2028 – and last hosted a race in 2021. This is unlikely now due to the track not being ready this year. Comment now