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THE Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) is studying the possibility of hosting the Formula One (F1) race at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia if chosen to replace Bahrain as the host.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, said his ministry had received initial information regarding the possibility and was conducting further research and discussions on the matter.
According to him, KBS remains committed to supporting the development of national sports, including motorsports, which have a great influence at the international level.
“The Prime Minister and the Ministry of Youth and Sports have received preliminary information about the possibility of hosting a Formula 1 race at the Sepang International Circuit to replace the Bahrain F1 race.
“Regarding this matter, discussions and research by KBS are currently underway,” he said in a statement.
He, however, explained that any further developments regarding the matter would be announced after the research and discussion process is finalised.
Apart from Sepang, several other circuits have also offered themselves as replacement venues, but Sepang is said to have advantages in terms of logistics as well as its reputation, which has always received praise from racers and fans.
Malaysia last hosted F1 on 1 October 2017, which saw Red Bull racer Max Verstappen emerge as the champion.
Recently, international media reported that Bahrain may return to host an F1 race to fill the slot between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and the Singapore Grand Prix.
However, ongoing tensions in the Middle East region, including a series of missile attacks, have raised questions about Bahrain’s ability to host the race as planned.
Formula One is now awaiting an official decision expected in the coming months, following close monitoring of the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting this weekend.
The meeting is also expected to discuss the status of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) races in Qatar and Bahrain, with safety factors being a key consideration.
Previously, the WEC postponed the Qatar round to October 24 due to the conflict in the region, while the season-ending race in Bahrain is still scheduled to take place on November 7. – July 24, 2026
