Malaysia joins 2026 F1 calendar to host Bahrain Grand Prix
Formula 1 and the FIA have confirmed that Malaysia will host the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit from October 2–4, 2026. The move preserves a race postponed amid Middle East conflict, slots between Azerbaijan and Singapore, and remains subject to World Motor Sport Council approval.
Key Takeaways
- Malaysia returns to the Formula 1 calendar for the first time since 2017, staging the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang.
- The race is set for October 2–4, 2026, between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix.
- Bahrain is funding the event, which keeps the Bahrain Grand Prix title despite the Malaysian venue.
- The deal still needs final agreements and World Motor Sport Council sign-off; the rest of the 2026 schedule is currently unchanged.
Why is Malaysia hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix?
Earlier in 2026, the Bahrain Grand Prix—and Saudi Arabia’s race—were called off because of conflict in the Middle East. Formula 1 and the FIA had hoped to reinstate Bahrain later in the year, but ongoing regional unrest forced a new plan.
Instead, an agreement between Formula 1, the FIA, the Government of Bahrain, and the Government of Malaysia will stage the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. According to Formula 1’s official announcement, the arrangement preserves a Grand Prix that would otherwise not have happened.
Sky Sports reports Bahrain is funding the race as a show of support for the sport, while the event still carries the Bahrain Grand Prix name. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said safety and wellbeing for teams, officials, and fans remained the highest priority throughout the process.
When will the Sepang race take place?
The weekend is scheduled for October 2–4, 2026, between rounds in Azerbaijan and Singapore. That creates a triple-header of back-to-back races in the autumn stretch of the season.
Sepang International Circuit, near Kuala Lumpur, debuted on the F1 calendar in 1999 and last hosted a race in 2017, when Max Verstappen won. Organisers say ticket details will be announced soon. For more coverage across emerging tech and big global stories, explore our Future Tech & AI Wonders hub.
What does this mean for the rest of the 2026 calendar?
Adding Malaysia lifts the current schedule to 23 races, and Formula 1 says the remainder of the 2026 calendar remains unchanged for now. Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, called the outcome proof that the sport can adapt and still deliver a full, exciting season for fans.
BBC Sport notes uncertainty still hangs over the final two scheduled rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi if conflict continues. Contingency work is underway, with a decision not required until September; Imola is among the tracks most often mentioned if replacements are needed.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the collaboration reflects friendship with Bahrain and the country’s readiness to host major events. Fans can expect Sepang’s demanding layout, passionate crowds, and famously unpredictable weather when Formula 1 returns.