F1 confirms Sepang Circuit will host 2026 Bahrain GP
Formula 1 and the FIA have confirmed that the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia will host the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix from October 2–4, 2026, between the Azerbaijan and Singapore races, preserving a calendar slot Bahrain could not stage amid regional safety concerns. The rest of the 2026 schedule is unchanged, with ticket details still to come.
Key Takeaways
- The Sepang Circuit will stage the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix from October 2–4, 2026.
- The race sits between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix on the calendar.
- The deal involves Formula 1, the FIA, and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia.
- Final agreements and World Motor Sport Council approval are still required.
- Sepang last hosted Formula 1 in 2017; Max Verstappen won that race.
Why is the Bahrain Grand Prix moving to the Sepang Circuit?
Bahrain had hoped to restore its home race around October 4 as part of a triple-header with Azerbaijan and Singapore. Escalating Middle East tensions and safety concerns made staging the event in Bahrain unworkable for 2026.
Rather than drop the slot, Formula 1 sought a venue that could fill the gap. After talks involving F1, the FIA, and both governments, Malaysia stepped in. Bahrain is helping fund the temporary return, and Gulf Air takes title sponsorship — hence the official name: the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1’s president and CEO, said the sport had again shown it can adapt and deliver for fans, while restoring racing at a venue with a special place in championship history.
When will Formula 1 race at Sepang Circuit, and is it confirmed?
The race weekend runs October 2–4, 2026. Formula 1’s official statement says the event remains subject to final agreements and official sign-off, including World Motor Sport Council approval. Reporting from The Race describes that step as expected to be a formality.
Sepang debuted on the F1 calendar in 1999 and hosted through 2017 before high hosting fees helped push it off the schedule. The circuit is known for passionate fans, exciting racing, and unpredictable weather — factors F1 and the FIA highlighted in confirming the return.
For viewers tracking how and where to follow the race weekend, check our Streaming & TV Alerts hub as broadcast details emerge closer to October.
What does this mean for the rest of the 2026 F1 calendar?
Formula 1 says the remainder of the 2026 schedule is unchanged. The Race reports F1 is still holding decisions on season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi pending the Middle East situation, with a call needed by September for freight, cost-cap, and tyre planning. The current target remains a 23-race season.
Ticket information for Sepang will be announced soon, according to Formula 1’s official confirmation.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and leaders from Bahrain and Malaysia framed the move as international cooperation that keeps a race on the calendar and brings the championship back to an iconic Asian venue.