Malaysia to Host Formula One Grand Prix Canceled in Bahrain Due to War
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Formula 1 Grand Prix initially scheduled for Bahrain in April has been relocated to Malaysia's Sepang circuit due to the Iran-US conflict.
- The race will take place from October 2-4 and will retain the name "Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix."
- This move highlights Formula 1's adaptability in maintaining its schedule amidst geopolitical tensions.
The Formula 1 Grand Prix that was originally set to take place in Bahrain in April has been rescheduled and will now be held in Malaysia. The race, which was canceled due to the outbreak of war between Iran and the United States in the Strait of Hormuz, will now occur at Malaysia's Sepang circuit from October 2 to 4. This event will retain its original designation as the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
Formula 1 and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) confirmed the replacement race in a joint statement. Sepang, a circuit with a rich history in motorsport, last hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2017. The agreement between the sporting bodies and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia allows for the preservation of the Grand Prix, which was initially announced as suspended on March 14.
demonstrates the capacity of the sport to adapt quickly and find ways to ensure that fans, partners, and the entire ecosystem continue to enjoy an extensive and exciting calendar for this year.
Notably, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, also scheduled for April 19 in Jeddah, remains suspended with no alternative plans announced. The rest of the Formula 1 season's calendar is unaffected by this change. The season is still scheduled to conclude with races in Qatar (November 27-29) and Abu Dhabi (December 4-6), with no current plans to alter these events despite the ongoing military conflict in the region.
Formula 1 and the FIA emphasized that the solution involving Malaysia demonstrates the sport's capacity for rapid adaptation and its commitment to ensuring a comprehensive and exciting calendar for fans, partners, and the entire Formula 1 ecosystem. Stefano Domenicali, president of Formula 1, praised the "great vision and unwavering commitment" of Bahrain and highlighted the sport's ability to find solutions and meet expectations, creating exciting moments for fans.
Once again, this sport has shown its ability to adapt, to find solutions and to meet expectations, creating an exciting moment for all Formula 1 fans.
Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.