A spreading fuel crisis is shaking global motorsports. Following the cancellation of two Formula 1 Grand Prix, another major international series has been forced to axe its upcoming race. The decision stems from a major geopolitical conflict.

After the F1 Bahrain and Saudi Arabia GPs were cancelled, another race is set to be axed owing to concerns of fuel shortage. The Autobac Super GT series had just resumed racing in Malaysia after a lengthy hiatus in 2025 on a three-year deal, but this year’s race is unlikely to go ahead.

Sepang was set to host the third round of the Japanese Championship on June 19-21. If there is no alternative date found or a replacement race, Super GT will see a 7-race calendar this season.

According to Sportscar650, teams were informed last week that the event will not go ahead. The Malaysian government, which backed the return of the Super GT to Sepang through Visit Malaysia, requested that all large-scale events, unless they are of national significance, be held, owing to potential fuel shortages.

This development comes on the back of the US/Israel-Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, due to which major parts of the world are facing a fuel crisis.

While fuel is the primary reason for the race being cancelled, an additional concern was the inflated cost of transporting freight and personnel from Japan to Malaysia, which is believed to have contributed to the decision.

Teams have been consulted by the GTA on whether they would like to have a replacement race in Japan itself. 

Multiple Races In Jeopardy Due To Ongoing Conflict

Formula One was the first to cancel its races, with the Bahrain GP, set to take place on April 10-12, and Saudi Arabia, scheduled for April 19, both being cancelled while the paddock was in Australia for the first race. 

Not just the premier series, but even F2, F3 and F1 Academy have been affected by the cancellations in the Middle East. MotoGP announced that its race in Qatar has been postponed to November 8 from its original schedule in April. 

All the way back in February, FIA cancelled the scheduled first round of the World Endurance Championship, which was set to begin in Qatar.

The season now begins at Imola on April 17-19, with the 6 hours of Imola becoming the de facto season opener. The race in Qatar is likely to happen in October to allow the season to be of the full eight-race length.

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Written by

Debrup Chaudhuri

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi