Malaysian GP: Formula 1 considers Sepang return to 2026 calendar as replacement race ahead of Singapore Grand Prix | F1 News
Formula 1 bosses are in talks with Malaysian Grand Prix organizers to see the Sepang race make a surprise return to the calendar this year as a surprise event.
Sky Sports F1 understands that F1 was close to announcing the Bahrain Grand Prix to return to the program at the beginning of October, only for the conflicts in the Middle East to increase in recent weeks.
Given the current situation, F1 is now considering adding Malaysia to the schedule on October 4 – between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 26 and the Singapore Grand Prix on October 11.
The organizers of the Sepang Circuit were one of many races to put their hands up to host a Grand Prix this year, with F1 exploring their options.
Malaysia’s desire is also influenced by the possibility of the last two races of the season in Qatar (November 29) and Abu Dhabi (December 6) not continuing.
F1 options in Europe will be limited at that time of year due to the cold weather with Portugal’s Portimao and Turkey’s Istanbul among the options, if not the Middle East races.
The last Malaysian Grand Prix took place in 2017 and was notorious for being one of the toughest events on the calendar due to the heat and humidity.
George Russell is third in the Drivers’ Championship, 50 points behind teammate Kimi Antonelli, and is open to adding more races to the schedule to make up for the canceled Bahrain and Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
“I’d like to have a 24-race season and get as many races as possible between here and the end of the season. That doesn’t change whether I was leading or second or third or fourth. [in the standings],” he said, ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
“I want to go racing, I love racing, I love fighting, and I hope, if we don’t race in the Middle East, there will be replacements. I hope we can get maybe a race between Baku and Singapore. I would be happy to go racing every weekend if I can.”
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Take a look back at some of the most amazing moments throughout the years at the Hungarian Grand Prix
Sky Sports F1 Hungarian GP schedule
Friday July 24
8.50am: F3 Practice
10am: F2 Practice
12pm: Hungarian GP Practice One (session starts at 12.30pm)*
1.55pm: F3 Qualification
3pm: F2 Qualifying
3.45pm: Hungarian GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
5.15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday July 25
9am: F3 Sprint
11.15am: Hungarian GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint*
2.15pm: Hungarian GP qualifying build-up*
3pm: HUNGARIAN GP QUALIFYING*
5pm: Ted’s Worthy Note*
Sunday July 26
7.35am: F3 Feature Race
9.05am: Porsche Supercup
10.20am: F2 Feature Race
12.30pm: Hungarian GP build-up: Sunday’s Grand Prix*
2pm: HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Hungarian GP reaction: Checkered Flag*
5pm: Ted’s Note*
*Also on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 heads to Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix with every session live on Sky Sports F1 from this Friday. Stream Sky Sports NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
