Formula 1 and the FIA have confirmed that Malaysia will host the 2026 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit, with the race scheduled for October 2-4.
The event, which replaces the original Bahrain round postponed due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, will be officially titled the "Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia". The Bahraini government is financing the race, ensuring the Gulf state retains its place on the calendar despite the inability to host at its own circuit.
Sepang, which first appeared on the F1 calendar in 1999 and last hosted a race in 2017, returns as a 23rd round slotting between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix (September 24-26) and the Singapore Grand Prix (October 9-11), creating a triple-header of back-to-back weekends. The rest of the 2026 schedule remains unchanged, though uncertainty persists over the season-ending rounds in Qatar (November 27-29) and Abu Dhabi (December 4-6) as the sport continues to assess the evolving geopolitical situation.
Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali praised the collaboration that made the arrangement possible. "We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026," he said. "Once again, the sport has demonstrated its ability to adapt, find solutions, and deliver, creating an exciting moment for everyone who follows Formula 1."
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added that the governing body had worked tirelessly alongside Formula One Management and Bahraini partners to explore every alternative, with safety remaining the highest priority. The addition of Malaysia is testament to "the continued commitment of the Malaysian Government and the strength of international cooperation within our sport," he said.
Bahrain Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa described the arrangement as building on "the close and brotherly relations between our two countries," while Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the opportunity to showcase Malaysia's "world-class infrastructure, operational excellence and warm hospitality."
The move marks a rare but not unprecedented arrangement in F1 history: a Grand Prix retaining its original title and national backing while being staged at a circuit in a different country. The change requires approval from the World Motor Sport Council, though that step is widely regarded as a formality. Ticket details for the Sepang weekend are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Sources
- https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/formula-1-and-fia-confirm-malaysia-will-join-2026-calendar-as-host-venue-for-bahrain-grand-prix.6lL7vjFEM2VVynRHvg1TCf
- 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
