Formula 1 could be heading back to Southeast Asia. With one of the calendar's Middle Eastern rounds unable to be held, Malaysia has emerged as one of the main candidates to step in, according to a report from The Race. Turkey and Portugal's Portimao circuit are understood to be the other names in contention for the vacant slot.
Why Malaysia Leads the Race
The Sepang International Circuit is no stranger to Formula 1. It hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix every year from 1999 to 2017 — a fixture of the calendar for nearly two decades before dropping off after the 2017 season. The Hermann Tilke-designed track, with its long straights and sweeping high-speed corners, remains a favourite among drivers and is more than capable of meeting modern F1 standards, which makes it an obvious ready-made option when a slot opens up at short notice.
A return would mark one of the sport's most anticipated comebacks and reconnect F1 with a passionate Southeast Asian fanbase that has grown considerably since Sepang last held a round.
The Alternatives: Turkey and Portimao
Malaysia is not the only contender. Two circuits that impressed during their most recent F1 outings are also reportedly on the shortlist:
- Istanbul Park (Turkey) — a track universally praised by drivers, home to the Turkish Grand Prix across 2005–2011 and again in 2020 and 2021. Its flowing layout and the famous quadruple-apex Turn 8 make it one of the most respected circuits F1 has visited this century.
- Algarve International Circuit, Portimao (Portugal) — the rollercoaster-like Portuguese venue that stepped in during the 2020 and 2021 calendar reshuffles, known for its dramatic elevation changes and blind crests.
All three share one crucial advantage: they are proven, F1-ready venues that could slot into the schedule with minimal lead time — exactly what is needed when a replacement is required mid-cycle.
Nothing Official Yet
It is important to stress that no decision has been confirmed. As it stands, this is a shortlist of candidates rather than a done deal, and Formula 1 has not made any official announcement about which circuit — if any — will fill the vacant slot. We will update this story as the situation develops.
For the current schedule and every confirmed round, check our 2026 race calendar, and follow the title fight on the championship standings and graph.
Source: The Race. Shared via @f1wow. This report concerns candidates under consideration; nothing has been officially confirmed by Formula 1.