Return to Malaysia
The discussion regarding the update of the 2026 F1 world calendar seems to have finally reached a first concrete turning point, concerning the attempt to replenish the number of GPs scheduled after the defections of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and the concrete risk that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix may not be held regularly. According to the British BBC, the return of Malaysia to the calendar is now almost certain, which has not hosted a Formula 1 GP since 2017. We had anticipated here that the Sepang track, located near Kuala Lumpur, had gained favorite status for an entry during the current season.
Probable ‘triplet’
This rumor is finding confirmation in the Budapest paddock and an announcement could even arrive as early as tomorrow. Only the final details would remain to be refined, and the month for racing in Sepang would also have been identified: the race would indeed take place in October, and the most likely date – as of this writing – is October 4th. If this were the case, a triplet of races between late September and mid-October would be created: racing in Baku on Saturday, September 26th, then in Sepang on Sunday, October 4th, and the triptych would conclude in Singapore on October 11th.
Read more Hamilton impedes Piastri at Turn 1 in Q3: risks dropping to third row – VIDEO
Other options remain ‘alive’
It should be noted, however, that Malaysia’s entry does not exclude possible other additions or changes to the current calendar; everything is naturally linked to the evolution of the war situation in the Persian Gulf and the negotiations that F1 is conducting with other tracks to secure alternative options. There are many options on the table, including that of Imola. A first fixed point, however, in the midst of this chaos, seems to have finally been found.
