Formula 1 and the FIA have officially confirmed that Malaysia will rejoin the 2026 calendar, with Sepang International Circuit hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix from October 2-4. The move marks the first time Malaysia has staged a Formula 1 race since 2017, when Max Verstappen took victory for Red Bull.
The event, officially titled the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, comes after the original Bahrain round scheduled for April was cancelled due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Rather than lose the race entirely, Bahrain's government — led by Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa — brokered an unprecedented agreement to fund and title the event while shifting its venue to Sepang.
"This agreement, reached between Formula 1, the FIA, the Government of Bahrain, and the Government of Malaysia, allows Formula 1 to preserve a Grand Prix that would otherwise not have happened," read the official statement from Formula 1.
The Sepang circuit, which debuted on the F1 calendar in 1999, slots into a newly created triple-header: the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 24-26, followed by Malaysia on October 2-4, then Singapore on October 9-11. The addition brings the 2026 season to 23 races, though the status of the final rounds in Qatar (November 27-29) and Abu Dhabi (December 4-6) remains uncertain due to ongoing regional instability.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed his gratitude to all parties involved. "We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026. Once again, the sport has demonstrated its ability to adapt, find solutions, and deliver, creating an exciting moment for everyone who follows Formula 1."
"I would like to express our sincere thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, as well as their respective governments for making this extraordinary outcome possible through their vision, commitment, and decisive action."
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised the collaboration: "I am incredibly proud of the collaboration that will enable Malaysia to host the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at the iconic Sepang circuit later this year. Throughout this process, the FIA, Formula One Management, and our partners in Bahrain have worked tirelessly to explore every option, with the safety and wellbeing of the teams, volunteers, officials, our colleagues, and fans remaining our highest priority."
The event is subject to final approval by the World Motor Sport Council, though that step is widely considered a formality. Ticket release information is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Malaysia's return has been welcomed by the paddock, with Sepang renowned for its passionate crowds, challenging layout, and tropical weather that historically produced some of F1's most memorable races. The circuit last hosted a Grand Prix in 2017, when Verstappen claimed victory over Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Räikkönen.
Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia said the nation stands ready: "Malaysia stands ready to welcome Formula 1, the FIA, the teams and fans from around the world back to Sepang. We look forward to showcasing our world-class infrastructure, operational excellence and warm hospitality, while further strengthening the bonds between our two nations through this special occasion."
With the grid heading into the summer break after this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, the confirmation of Malaysia's addition provides clarity for teams and fans alike — though further calendar adjustments may follow depending on developments in the Middle East.
Sources
- Formula 1: 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
- Crash.net: https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1101834/1/malaysia-f1-return-confirmed-bizarre-race-title
- Sky Sports F1: 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
