Formula 1 has confirmed that Malaysia will return to the calendar for the first time since 2017, with Sepang International Circuit stepping in to host the postponed Bahrain Grand Prix on 4 October 2026.
The race — officially titled the "Bahrain Grand Prix" despite being held at Sepang — was approved after the original April date in Sakhir was cancelled due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The United States–Iran war forced the removal of both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix from the 2026 schedule, reducing the original 24-race calendar to 22 rounds and creating a month-long gap in April.
Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa proposed the unusual arrangement, with the Gulf state funding the event as a show of the kingdom's commitment to the sport. F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed the move on Sunday ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, expressing gratitude to the kings of Bahrain and Malaysia, as well as the FIA.
"Once again, the sport has demonstrated its ability to adapt, find solutions, and deliver, creating an exciting moment for everyone who follows Formula 1," Domenicali said.
The Sepang event will take place from 2–4 October, slotting between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku (26 September) and the Singapore Grand Prix (11 October), creating a triple-header of consecutive race weekends. The addition brings the 2026 schedule to 23 races, though doubts persist over whether the season-ending rounds in Qatar (27–29 November) and Abu Dhabi (4–6 December) can proceed as planned amid the ongoing regional instability.
Malaysia last hosted a Formula 1 race in 2017, when Max Verstappen won for Red Bull. The Sepang International Circuit, which first appeared on the calendar in 1999, was a popular fixture among drivers and fans alike before being dropped due to financial constraints. Its high-speed corners, tropical climate, and unique atmosphere made it a favourite on the tour.
Several other venues — including Portimão in Portugal and Istanbul Park in Turkey — had been considered as replacement options, but concerns about cold weather later in the year ruled them out. Imola has emerged as a candidate to host the season finale should the Middle Eastern rounds ultimately be cancelled.
The schedule change still requires formal approval from the World Motor Sport Council, a step widely regarded as a formality.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the governing body had "worked tirelessly" alongside Formula One Management and Bahraini partners to explore every option, with safety remaining the highest priority.
Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the return, saying the country was ready to showcase its world-class infrastructure and hospitality to fans from around the world.
Sources
- https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1101834/1/malaysia-f1-return-confirmed-bizarre-race-title
- https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13566600/malaysia-added-to-2026-f1-calendar-in-october-to-host-postponed-bahrain-gp-amid-continued-conflict-in-middle-east
