The Malaysian government is conducting a feasibility study into organizing a last-minute Formula 1 grand prix. The US-Israeli war on Iran prevented F1 from running early-season rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. While there were hopes for a recovered Bahrain Grand Prix in October, escalating regional hostilities suggest the plan will soon be abandoned.

Malaysia has emerged as a logical option for the October slot due to its proximity to Singapore. Youth and sports minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari stated the government is assessing the proposal to host a race at the Sepang International Circuit. Sepang has not hosted F1 since 2017, and hosting the series would require significant work beyond its current Moto GP operations.

If Kuala Lumpur is not viable, F1 may leave the gap between Azerbaijan and Singapore unfilled. Backup plans for the season-ending double-header include moving to Portimao. F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali has set a mid-September deadline to finalize the back end of the 2026 calendar.