Formula One will not return to Malaysia after the 2017 Grand Prix in October.
After being on the calendar since 1999, the event will be dropped in a joint decision between F1 and the circuit. Over that time 10 different drivers have taken race wins on the track.
“It’s always sad to say goodbye to a member of the Formula 1 family,” F1’s commercial operations managing director, Sean Bratches told F1.com. “Over nearly two decades, the Malaysian Formula 1 fans have proven themselves to be some of the sport’s most passionate supporters.
“As we said in Melbourne, we have big plans for bringing our global fan base closer to the sport than ever before, providing an enhanced digital experience and creating new events. We’re looking forward to talking more about these plans as the season progresses.”
This may have implications for reigning constructors’ champion, Mercedes. Petronas, who has the Malaysia GP since 1999, are Mercedes’ technical partner and title sponsor. It may be a way off, but the lack of F1 in its home country could see the oil company reassess its ties to the championship.
The loss of the Malaysia GP takes the total number of races on the 2018 calendar down to 21, as F1 will be returning to France and Germany.
