Finlay McSporran
Published: 13:02 26 July 2026
The Sepang International Circuit will play host to F1 once again this October, albeit with a twist.
Malaysia will host round 16 of this years Formula 1 world championship from the 2 – 4 October, replacing the cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix.
Despite no longer being held in Bahrain, the event will retain the Bahrain Grand Prix name, with the Gulf state funding the event in a show of support for the sport.
It means we now have a triple-header across September and October, as the race slots in between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grand Prix.
F1 President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali, said: “We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026. We have all shown once again that Formula 1 can adapt, find solutions and deliver results and give a great surprise to everyone following our sport.
“I would like to express our sincere thanks to Bahrain and Malaysia, notably His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the King and Prime Minister of Malaysia for their vision, passion and decisive action in making this exciting moment possible.
“I also want to thank the President of the FIA, His Excellency Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his partnership and collaboration.”
There is some paper work to be done however. The event is still subject to final agreements and signing off, as well as approval by the World Motor Sport Council, but should go through without much fuss.
FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “I am incredibly proud of the collaboration that will enable Malaysia to host the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at the iconic Sepang International 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.
“My sincere thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain, for their vision and support in making this possible. We look forward to welcoming the global motorsport community back to Sepang.”
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2026 Bahrain Grand Prix
There’s still some uncertainty over the final two Grand Prix this year in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, and whether they will actually take place.
While no official cancellation has been announced, it’s increasingly likely that they too will drop off the calendar given the ongoing conflict in the middle-east.
Currently there is 23 rounds scheduled, which will likely drop to 21 without Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Names such as Portimao and Imola have been thrown around as potential replacements, but nothing concrete has come out so far.
If no replacement is found, the season will end in Las Vegas on the 21 November.
Prime Minister of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa (pictured above), said: “With the blessings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Sultan Iskandar, King of Malaysia, and building on the close and brotherly relations between our two countries, I am proud to join Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia in announcing that Bahrain will host the Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, from 2 to 4 October 2026.
“This will be a wonderful experience for fans around the world and reflects Bahrain’s enduring commitment to, and passion for, the sport. Amid ongoing regional challenges, Bahrain is proud to stand as a pillar of stability for Formula 1, and we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure a successful and memorable race for everyone involved.
“I offer my sincere appreciation to F1, the FIA, Bahrain International Circuit, Sepang International Circuit, and the teams for their support in helping us deliver an exciting weekend of racing.”
The Bahrain Grand Prix typically features supporting Formula 2 and Formula 3 races. However, as no announcement has been made, we can assume that they probably won’t be joining F1 in Malaysia.
Prime Minister of Malaysia, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, 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.
“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.”
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