The Malaysian Grand Prix will be dropped from the Formula 1 calendar after this years event after a mutual agreement between organisers and Liberty Media will see their contract terminating a year early.
The government in Malaysia had already announced that they would not fund an extension to the current contract that was set to run until the end of 2018, but now the decision has been made to pull the race from the schedule, with this years event at the Sepang International Circuit set to be it’s last.
High costs and low ticket sales have seen the government in Malaysia fall out of love with the sport, with the German Grand Prix set to return in it’s place next season.
“It’s always sad to say goodbye to a member of the Formula 1 family,” said Sean Bratches, Formula 1’s director of commercial operations. “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. We will have 21 exciting events to look forward to in the 2018 calendar, with the additions of the French and German races.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Sepang International Circuit for their hospitality and professionalism over the years, and their ongoing commitment to motorsport.”
