Formula 1 to race at Sepang as Malaysia hosts 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix

• Formula 1 will return to Sepang for the first time since 2017 after Malaysia agreed to host the Bahrain Grand Prix in October due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
• The one-off arrangement preserves the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, with Sepang replacing Bahrain through a joint agreement between Formula 1, the FIA, and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.
• While the Bahrain Grand Prix has been relocated, uncertainty remains over the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix as Formula 1 continues to monitor the situation in the Middle East.

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Formula 1 will return to the Sepang International Circuit for the first time since 2017 after it was confirmed that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix from October 2-4 this year.

Subject to final agreements and official sign-off from the World Motor Sport Council, the Malaysian-hosted race will take place between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grand Prix weekends.

A unique agreement reached between Formula 1, the FIA, the Government of Bahrain and the Malaysian Government will see the Middle Eastern race held in the Far East. The arrangement ensures the Bahrain Grand Prix can still be staged despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026,” Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said in the announcement.

“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.

“Of course, I would also like to thank FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his partnership and collaboration throughout the process.

“Most importantly, this is fantastic news for our fans. They will continue to enjoy a full and exciting Formula 1 calendar while also seeing the sport return to a great venue. Malaysia is an incredible country, and Sepang holds a special place in Formula 1 history.

“It will provide a spectacular setting for racing and an unforgettable experience for fans at the circuit and watching around the world.”

Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia said: “I extend my deepest appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as the Government and people of Bahrain, for the trust and confidence they have placed in Malaysia.

“We are honoured to support the Kingdom of Bahrain, Formula 1 and the FIA in hosting the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit this year.

“This collaboration is more than the staging of a world-class sporting event. It reflects the enduring friendship, mutual trust and close partnership between Malaysia and the Kingdom of Bahrain, while reaffirming Malaysia’s readiness and capability to host major international events.

“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.”

Sepang first hosted Formula 1 in 1999 as the championship expanded its presence in Asia alongside races such as China. It quickly became a fan-favourite venue, with its unpredictable weather perhaps best illustrated by the 2009 race, which was ended early and awarded half points.

Ferrari has won the most races in Malaysia with seven victories, including Sebastian Vettel’s first win for the Scuderia in 2015. Red Bull claimed five victories across the final eight editions of the race, including the most recent Malaysian Grand Prix in 2017, won by Max Verstappen.

No further confirmation has been provided regarding the season-ending Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, with uncertainty surrounding the conflict in the Middle East continuing to cloud whether those events will proceed. Circuits such as Portimão and Imola have been floated in recent weeks as potential replacement venues.

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Written by

Jawad Yaqub

An eCommerce Specialist by day and reporting on F1 by night. Jawad is passionate about motorsport, having provided accredited F1 coverage for more than a decade and is a member of the AIPS (International Sports Press Association). Live blogging (almost) every grand prix too since 2014, as well as articles on the Supercars Championship. Also keen on sustainability, photography, collecting vinyl, (trying to) expertly barbeque and learning to Dad.

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