BUKIT MERTAJAM – Formula 1 fans in Malaysia may not have to wait much longer, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirming that an announcement on the potential return of Formula 1 to the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will be made on Sunday, July 26.
Speaking to reporters after officiating the opening of SMKA Sheikh Tahir Jalaluddin in Bukit Mertajam on Saturday, Anwar gave a brief but significant update.
“With regards to F1, we will make an announcement on Sunday,” he said when asked whether Malaysia would host a Formula 1 race later this year.
The statement comes amid growing speculation that Sepang could make a dramatic return to the Formula 1 calendar after nearly a decade away.
The possibility emerged following reports that Formula 1 is evaluating contingency plans should the final Middle East rounds of the 2026 season be affected by the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
According to reports, Malaysia and Türkiye are among the leading candidates to host a replacement race on October 4 if the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix cannot proceed as scheduled.Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohd Taufiq Johari had earlier revealed that the government had received early indications regarding the opportunity to bring Formula 1 back to Malaysia and that discussions and feasibility assessments were already underway.
Originally, Formula 1 had hoped to reschedule the postponed Bahrain Grand Prix into the October gap between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix. However, renewed geopolitical tensions have reportedly made that option increasingly difficult, opening the door for alternative venues.
Sepang International Circuit previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 until 2017, earning widespread praise from drivers and fans alike for its challenging layout and world-class facilities.
The race was ultimately dropped after the 2017 season due to rising hosting costs and declining attendance.
Should Sunday’s announcement confirm Malaysia’s return, it would mark one of the most unexpected and significant comebacks in recent Formula 1 history, bringing the sport back to one of its most iconic venues after a nine-year absence.
All eyes will now be on Putrajaya as motorsport fans await Sunday’s announcement, which could reshape the closing stages of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
