Formula 1 chiefs are in talks with Malaysian Grand Prix organizers to see the Sepang race make a surprise return to this year’s reserve event.
Sky Sports F1 F1 was close to rescheduling the Bahrain Grand Prix for early October, but understands that conflict in the Middle East has increased in recent weeks.
Given the current situation, F1 is considering adding Malaysia to the schedule on October 4 between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 26 and the Singapore Grand Prix on October 11.
Sepang Circuit organizers were one of several races F1 reached out to prepare for this year’s Grand Prix as it assessed its options.
Malaysian aspirations are also being influenced by the possibility that the final two races of the season – Qatar (November 29) and Abu Dhabi (December 6) – will not take place.
F1’s options in Europe will be limited at that time of the year due to cold climates such as Portimao, Portugal and Istanbul, Turkey, if no Middle East racing occurs.
Max Verstappen won the last Malaysian Grand Prix in 2017.
The last Malaysian Grand Prix was held in 2017 and was famous for being one of the toughest events due to the heat and humidity.
George Russell is third in the drivers’ championship, 50 points behind team-mate Kimi Antonelli, and is willing to add more races to his schedule to make up for Bahrain and Saudi Arabia being canceled earlier this year.
“I want to have a 24-race season and do as many races as possible from here until the end of the season. That doesn’t change whether I’m in the lead, second, third or fourth (in the standings),” he said ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
“I want to race, I love racing, I love fighting. If I don’t race in the Middle East, I hope I have two replacements. I hope I can find a race between Baku and Singapore. I’d like to go racing every weekend if possible.”
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Take a look back at some of the most dramatic moments from the Hungarian Grand Prix over the years.
Sky Sports F1 Hungarian GP Schedule
Friday, July 24th
8:50 AM: F3 practice
10am: F2 practice
12:00 PM: Hungarian GP Practice 1 (session starts at 12:30 PM)*
1:55 PM: F3 qualifying
3pm: F2 qualifying
3.45pm: Hungarian GP practice 2 (session starts at 4pm)
5:15 PM: F1 Show
Saturday, July 25th
9 AM: F3 Sprint
11.15am: Hungarian GP practice 3 (session starts at 11.30am)
1:10 PM: F2 Sprint*
2.15pm: Preparing for Hungarian GP qualifying*
3pm: Hungarian GP Qualifying*
5 PM: Ted’s Qualified Laptop*
Sunday, July 26th
7:35 AM: F3 Feature Race
9:05 a.m.: Porsche Supercup
10:20 AM: F2 Feature Race
12.30pm: Building up to the Hungarian GP: Sunday Grand Prix*
2pm: Hungarian Grand Prix*
4pm: Hungarian GP reaction: checkered flag*
5 PM: Ted’s Note*
*Applies to Sky Sports main event as well
Formula 1 heads straight to Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix, with all sessions broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 from this Friday. Stream Sky Sports NOW – No Commitment, Cancel Anytime
