Malaysian Grand Prix dropped after 2017!

©WRI2

Formula 1 will not be returning to Sepang after this year's Malaysian Grand Prix, F1 commercial boss Sean Bratches has announced.

The race has been on the calendar since 1998, and was one of the first exotic fly-away events, and a lucrative one at that, initiated under the Bernie Ecclestone era.

But Malaysia had struggled in recent years with its attendance figures and suffered by the arrival of the very popular Singapore Grand Prix which made its debut in 2008.

"It's always sad to say goodbye to a member of the Formula 1 family," Bratches said.

"Over nearly two decades, the Malaysian Formula 1 fans have proven themselves to be some of the sport's most passionate supporters.

"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."

Grand Prix racing will still include a 21-race schedule next season, with Germany and France both making a welcome return to the calendar.

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