The Sepang circuit emerges as one of the main alternatives to host a Formula 1 race this season, should geopolitical instability in the Middle East cause new changes to the calendar. The possibility gained strength amid doubts about the realization of the races scheduled for the end of the championship in the region.
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The crisis in the Gulf began a week after pre-season tests in Bahrain, a country that was the first to suffer intense bombings. With no prospect of a solution, Formula 1 canceled the Bahrain GP and, subsequently, the Saudi Arabian GP, opening a five-week gap in the calendar.
Although the Qatar and Abu Dhabi GPs remain scheduled as the last two rounds of the season, there are still many uncertainties about the realization of these events. In recent days, speculations have emerged involving several possible substitutes, such as Istanbul, Portimão, Imola, and even a second race in Barcelona. There were also reports about the possibility of a double-header in Las Vegas to conclude the championship.
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Now, Sepang has entered the list of candidates. The Malaysian circuit, which hosted the Malaysian GP between 1999 and 2017, is pointed out as a viable option to host a race right after the Singapore GP, taking advantage of the geographical proximity between the two countries.
Meanwhile, other motorsport categories still have events scheduled in the region. The World Endurance Championship (WEC) continues with rounds scheduled in Qatar and Bahrain, while Formula E plans the opening of the Gen4 era in Jeddah, in December. The expectation is that the World Motorsport Council will discuss, at its next meeting, the future of these races and possible changes to the Formula 1 calendar.
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