In early October, Malaysia will host a Formula 1 race that was originally scheduled to take place in Bahrain. The event was canceled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, prompting a relocation to Malaysia.
The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted the Formula 1 calendar, leading to the cancellation of two races: the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Organizers have been closely monitoring the situation in the Gulf, but as the conflict shows no signs of resolution, they opted for a contingency plan.
Bahrain Grand Prix Rescheduled for October 2-4 in Malaysia
Specifically, the race that was meant for Bahrain has been rescheduled to take place in Malaysia over the weekend of October 2-4. The Sepang Circuit, located near Kuala Lumpur, previously hosted numerous Formula 1 races, with the last one held in 2017, where Dutch driver Max Verstappen emerged victorious.
This decision alters the schedule for Formula 1 drivers, eliminating the two-week break between the race in Azerbaijan and the one in Singapore, leading to three consecutive weekends of competition.
No decision has yet been made regarding the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Additionally, The Guardian reports uncertainties surrounding the Qatar Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which are set for late November and early December, respectively.
Organizers will closely monitor the developments of the Middle East conflict until September before making decisions about the two races. Should these events be canceled, Italy is poised as a strong candidate to host a Formula 1 race at the Imola circuit later this year.
Portugal and Turkey are also under consideration but are less likely to be chosen over Italy.
In the meantime, on Sunday, July 26, starting at 16:00, the Hungarian Grand Prix will take place live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY, with Lando Norris (McLaren), the reigning Formula 1 champion, starting from pole position, followed by Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
