Formula 1’s 2026 sports calendar may still have room for a surprise, and Malaysia is back in the conversation. The clearest date under consideration is October 4, which would place Sepang between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 26 and the Singapore Grand Prix on October 11. For a sport trying to repair a season hit by cancellations, that is a useful gap to fill.
The appeal is straightforward. Formula 1 is trying to replace at least one of two cancelled rounds from earlier this year, and Malaysia offers a familiar option at a time when the schedule remains unsettled. The Malaysian Grand Prix last ran in 2017, so a return would not just restore a venue with history; it would also give the calendar a practical bridge before Singapore.
That idea has gained extra weight because of what remains uncertain later in the year. The Bahrain Grand Prix was close to returning in early October, but that possibility was disrupted by conflict in the Middle East. The same wider uncertainty also hangs over the Qatar race on November 29 and the Abu Dhabi race on December 6, which helps explain why Formula 1 is still looking for replacements.
Russell welcomes more racing
George Russell has made his position clear: he would gladly take more races if the schedule can be expanded. He said he would love a 24-race season and as many races as possible between now and the end of the campaign, adding that he wants to go racing and hopes Formula 1 can find replacements if the Middle East races do not go ahead.
He also pointed to the narrow window between Baku and Singapore as a logical place to fit another event. That is what makes Malaysia such an interesting option. It does not solve every calendar issue, but it does address one of the most obvious gaps.
The European alternatives of Portimao and Turkey are also mentioned if none of the Middle East races happen, which suggests Formula 1 is keeping its options open. Still, Malaysia stands out because it would restore a recognizable venue and slot neatly into the sports calendar without forcing a major reshuffle.
For now, nothing is confirmed. But if Formula 1 does need a replacement race on October 4, Sepang looks like one of the cleaner answers on the table.
