M'sia could host F1 race on Oct. 2-4, 2026, sources tell ESPN

Malaysia could host a Formula 1 race on Oct. 2 to 4, 2026, according to sources who spoke to ESPN.

BBC has since reported the news off ESPN.

The Malaysia race is to replace the Bahrain race.

The Bahrain race was initially set to take place in April 2026, but was called off in March along with the race in Saudi Arabia due to the war in Iran.

ESPN also reported that Bahrain had wanted to host its event for Oct. 4, in between the F1 events in Azerbaijan and Singapore.

But hostilities in Iran have escalated.

The Sepang track near Kuala Lumpur is expected to stage the Malaysia race.

Sepang was last on the calendar in 2017.

If the Malaysia race comes to pass, it will take place a week before the Singapore race.

The F1 race in Singapore will take place from Oct. 9 to 11.

ESPN further reported that the Bahrainis are still apparently willing to absorb the cost of the race, which is tentatively called the Bahrain Grand Prix being hosted by Malaysia.

An announcement from Malaysia prime minister Anwar Ibrahim is expected on Sunday, Jul. 26, The Star reported.

If the Malaysia race is confirmed, there will be races on three consecutive weekends in Azerbaijan, Malaysia and Singapore, BBC noted.

Motorsports portal, The Race, had reported on Thursday, Jul. 23, that Malaysia could be included in the F1 calendar at short notice.

Turkey was also named as the other country likely to host the race as well.