Malaysia's hastily arranged Formula 1 race at the Sepang circuit has already forced another motorsport series to cancel its planned event. The Thailand Super Series was due to run at Sepang on September 18-20, but the circuit will be closed for strict safety, surface cleaning and system checks in preparation for the Formula 1 race.
Bahrain GP moved to Malaysia
The Sepang circuit, which last hosted an F1 race in 2017, will hold the rearranged Bahrain Grand Prix from October 2-4. The Bahrain race was originally scheduled for April but was cancelled, along with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, due to conflict in the Middle East. Ongoing hostilities prevented a return to Bahrain in October, so the Gulf country funded the race to be held 3,750 miles away in Malaysia.
Thailand Super Series affected
In a letter to competitors and partners, Thailand Super Series vice president Preeda Tantemsapya wrote: "The official announcement made by Formula 1 and the FIA yesterday, that Malaysia will host the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit on October 2-4... means the circuit will have to be closed for strict safety, surface cleaning and system checks in preparation for the Formula 1 event." He added: "Hence, we regret to inform you that we have received notification from the circuit management that they are unable to proceed with the Sepang event originally scheduled for September 18-20. Following receipt of this notification, we are actively working with different parties looking at all the possible alternative dates and plan to reschedule the event."
A similar message on the series' Facebook page said: "We sincerely apologise for this unforeseen situation beyond our control and appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued support."
Uncertainty remains over Gulf rounds
F1 chiefs hope the Sepang race will be the last change to the 2026 schedule, but doubt persists over the final two rounds in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Ceasefires have failed to hold in recent weeks, and Saudi Arabia's defence ministry reported on Monday that air defence systems had destroyed drones launched from Iraq by Iran-aligned groups. F1 and the FIA cannot host races in those countries if there continues to be a threat of fire from Iran or its allies. A decision is not yet required, but time will become more pressing in September when teams need to start sending freight to the Gulf.
