Sepang is back in Formula 1, but won’t be called the Malaysian GP. Here’s why

It’s finally happened: Malaysia is back on the Formula 1 calendar! The Sepang International Circuit will host an F1 race for the first time since 2017, albeit it will instead be called the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

The odd naming scheme is essentially because Bahrain is actually footing most of the bill that is required to host a Formula 1 race in Sepang in the first place. The Bahrain GP itself had been delayed from April to October due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions happening in the Middle East; the situation has already caused the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, while the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races remain in limbo.

Recent events in the Middle East have basically confirmed that Bahrain would not be able to host a race there in October, but it seems that F1, the FIA as well as the Bahraini and Malaysian governments were quick to secure Sepang as the placeholder for the Bahrain GP. The Malaysian GP itself was dropped from the calendar because of the high costs needed to host an F1 race; Sepang now returned thanks to Bahrain’s willingness to fund it, with the caveat of it being named after its national airline instead.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also confirmed on social media the collaboration between Bahrain, F1 and Malaysia, and showed his appreciation to the Middle East kingdom and Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 president and CEO, while also welcoming back Formula 1 and its fans to Sepang.

For what it’s worth, we should point out that the return of Sepang still technically needs to be signed off by the FIA, but there likely won’t be any issues there.

Lastly, for those of you who can’t wait to watch a Formula 1 race at Sepang—especially the Drive to Survive generation among you out there—F1 has stated that information regarding the release of tickets will be announced soon, so stay tuned for that.

Read more of our articles below!