Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia, will return to the F1 calendar to host the postponed Bahrain Grand Prix on October 2-4, 2026.
Malaysia will make a surprise return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2026, with Sepang International Circuit stepping in to host the previously called off Bahrain Grand Prix. The race weekend will take place on October 2-4, 2026, forming a triple header of events between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix.
Announced just ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday, the race in Malaysia will be known as the “Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia” and is subject to final agreements and official sign-off.
A fan favourite circuit, Sepang International Circuit, near Kuala Lumpur, last hosted Formula 1 in 2017 when the Malaysian Grand Prix was last staged. F1 visited Malaysia in every season from Sepang’s debut in 1999 through to 2017. The race fell off the calendar after a continued decline in ticket sales following the addition of the nearby Singapore Grand Prix to the calendar in 2008.
Ferrari hold the record for the most victories at Sepang International Circuit, with seven, while Sebastian Vettel took more wins than anyone else in the circuit’s first stint on the schedule. The 4-time World Champion secured four Malaysian Grand Prix victories, including his controversial “Multi 21” win here in 2013.
Formula 1 says that information regarding the release of tickets for the event will be announced soon.
Malaysia Will Host the Bahrain Grand Prix
The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia has come about as part of an agreement reached between F1, the FIA, the Government of Malaysia and the Government of Bahrain. The Bahrain Grand Prix was originally scheduled to take place in April, but was called off along with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix following the start of the US-Iran war in the Middle East.
Speaking about the one-off deal, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said:
“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. 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.”
Doubts Over F1’s Final 2026 Rounds
In its press release, Formula 1 says that the “rest of the schedule for 2026 remains unchanged”, though doubts remain over the viability of the final two races of the season – in Qatar and Abu Dhabi – being able to take place. The ongoing war means that the situation is uncertain, and is also believed to have caused delays to the announcement of the 2027 Formula 1 calendar, which was previously expected to begin in Bahrain next March.
With the addition of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, the 2026 calendar currently sits at 23 rounds – though it could yet fall to 21 if the final two races of the year are called off. It is thought that F1 is keen to hold at least 21 rounds this year, in order to fulfil all of its contractual clauses with teams and broadcasters.
Rather than the season ending with the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November, it is believed that another round will be added as the season finale in early December. Imola, in Italy, is the frontrunner to be added to the calendar, though events in Barcelona, Istanbul and Portugal have also been mooted as possibilities.
Header image: Leminhel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
