2026 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix 199
Follow Ferrari at the relocated 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, exceptionally being held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. This archive covers practice, qualifying and the race, alongside strategy, tyre performance, technical analysis and every major development involving Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Ferrari. For full event history, circuit context, records and Ferrari’s past Bahrain Grand Prix performances, visit our Bahrain Grand Prix circuit guide.
Why Pirelli’s Sepang compounds may suit Ferrari’s SF-26 better than Baku
Ferrari could find one of the SF-26’s most troublesome tyre characteristics significantly easier to manage when Formula 1 returns to Sepang, after Pirelli confirmed the C2, C3 and C4 compounds for the Malaysian weekend. Higher temperatures and greater thermal degradation are expected to reduce the tyre warm-up difficulties that complicated the Scuderia’s previous race in Baku.
Formula 1 is returning to the 5.543-kilometre Sepang International Circuit for the first time since 2017, when Max Verstappen claimed victory. The venue combines long straights with fast, sweeping corners and significant braking zones, creating a very different technical challenge from the Azerbaijan street circuit. A full overview of the event and venue is available in our Sepang race and circuit guide.
Pirelli selects C2, C3 and C4 tyres for Sepang
Pirelli has opted for the C2, C3 and C4 compounds rather than moving towards the hardest end of its range, despite Sepang placing substantial loads on the tyres. The intention is to keep the strategic difference between a potential one-stop race and a two-stop approach relatively small, giving teams greater flexibility during the Grand Prix.
The front-left tyre is expected to face particularly high lateral loads through Sepang’s quicker corners, while the rear axle will also be subjected to considerable stress. Managing thermal degradation should therefore become one of the main priorities across long runs.
Weather could have a major influence on that equation. Sudden rain showers are common in Malaysia, while high temperatures and humidity can change rapidly through the day. Even in dry conditions, teams should expect significant track evolution from Friday onwards as the surface cleans up and grip increases.
The Sepang event forms part of the reshaped 2026 Formula 1 calendar after the original Sakhir round was dropped, alongside the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, because of instability in the region.
Why Sepang could ease Ferrari’s SF-26 tyre warm-up problem
For Ferrari, the characteristics of Sepang could remove one of the problems that hurt the SF-26 in Azerbaijan. The Maranello team emerged from a difficult Baku weekend having limited the damage partly because of McLaren’s own difficulties, but its problems were not restricted to the power unit.
Finding and maintaining the correct tyre operating window also proved difficult. Lewis Hamilton explained that one of the main challenges when driving the SF-26 was generating sufficient tyre temperature, particularly during qualifying and at the beginning of race stints on the Soft compound. More coverage of the seven-time world champion’s Ferrari season can be found in our Lewis Hamilton news archive.
That behaviour is less likely to become such a limiting factor at Sepang. Higher ambient and track temperatures should naturally help the tyres reach their working range, while the more demanding circuit layout is also expected to increase degradation. Instead of struggling to generate enough temperature, Ferrari may have to focus more heavily on controlling it across a full stint.
For the SF-26, that could prove important. If the car reaches its optimum tyre window more quickly, Ferrari could recover lap time that was difficult to access in Baku, potentially making Sepang a more favourable environment for the car. The contrast between the two circuits will also give engineers another useful reference point when evaluating the SF-26’s behaviour, with further analysis available in our Ferrari technical analysis section.
Limited recent data increases the importance of practice
Uncertainty remains substantial because Formula 1 has not raced at Sepang since 2017. Some drivers already know the circuit, but the cars used nine years ago belonged to a completely different generation. Teams have therefore relied heavily on simulator preparation ahead of the weekend, although Friday practice will remain essential for validating those models against real track conditions.
The circuit itself has also changed since Formula 1’s last visit. Work has recently been carried out to repair uneven areas of asphalt, while the track has been cleaned in preparation for the event. Sepang remains relatively abrasive, with surface roughness comparable to Bahrain, and the section between Turns 6 and 12 was resurfaced in 2023.
Weather remains Sepang’s biggest unknown
The most unpredictable element could still be Malaysia’s tropical weather. The 2026 generation of Formula 1 cars has yet to experience a wet session, according to the current season context, and Sepang is one of the venues where conditions can change especially quickly.
Heat and humidity could dominate one session before a sudden downpour transforms the circuit for the next. That possibility will force Ferrari and its rivals to gather as much representative dry-running data as possible whenever conditions permit, particularly when assessing degradation and the behaviour of the C2, C3 and C4 compounds.
For Ferrari, however, the fundamental tyre picture appears more encouraging than it did in Baku. The SF-26 will face a demanding test at Sepang, but warmer conditions and greater tyre energy should at least reduce the risk of one of its recent weaknesses becoming the defining limitation of the weekend.
FIA confirms four Sepang Straight Mode zones in potential Ferrari boost
The FIA and Formula 1 have published the official Sepang International Circuit map ahead of the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, confirming four Straight Mode zones around the track. The configuration could provide Ferrari with an encouraging opportunity to manage electrical energy more efficiently while exploiting the SF-26’s low-drag settings on Sepang’s faster sections.
Formula 1 returns to Malaysia for the second race of the current triple-header, following Baku and before the championship moves on to Singapore. Although the event is being staged at Sepang, it remains officially the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia rather than a revival of the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Four Sepang Straight Mode zones confirmed for the Bahrain GP
The new-generation Formula 1 cars use active aerodynamics to reduce drag on designated sections of a lap. When the front and rear wings move into their Straight Mode configuration, the cars can achieve higher speeds while requiring less electrical energy to overcome aerodynamic resistance.
That energy-management aspect is particularly important under the 2026 regulations. Drivers and teams must balance outright deployment with the need to preserve enough electrical energy across the entire lap, making the location and length of Straight Mode zones an important part of both setup and power-unit strategy.
Sepang will feature four such zones, matching the number previously seen at Barcelona and Silverstone. For Ferrari, the layout therefore offers potentially favourable conditions for controlling battery consumption, especially across a circuit that combines several fast sections with major braking areas where energy can subsequently be recovered.
Why Sepang’s Straight Mode layout could help Ferrari
The first activation area is located on the start-finish straight, with the zone identified as Macarena. Drivers will then be able to use Straight Mode again between Turns 3 and 4 before another activation section between Turns 8 and 9.
Those middle-lap zones are shorter than Sepang’s two longest straights, but they still allow the cars to reach significant speeds. Deciding how aggressively to deploy electrical energy through this part of the circuit will therefore be an important element of the lap, particularly as teams attempt to arrive at the final sector with sufficient energy available.
Battery deployment has already been an important consideration for the Scuderia during the recent Azerbaijan weekend, and Sepang presents a very different combination of straights, braking zones and aerodynamic demands.
Final Sepang Straight Mode zone creates crucial energy challenge
The fourth and final Straight Mode section is positioned on the long run between Turns 14 and 15. This part of the circuit is especially significant because drivers then accelerate through the final corner and immediately onto Sepang’s long start-finish straight.
Managing the battery across these consecutive high-speed sections will therefore be central to the energy strategy. Sepang also provides several substantial braking zones after its straights, giving the cars important opportunities to recover energy before the next period of deployment.
The Malaysian venue’s position between Azerbaijan and Singapore can be seen in the complete 2026 Formula 1 calendar, with the race forming the middle event of the current three-round sequence.
Overtake Detection adds another strategic factor at Sepang
Sepang’s final corner will also feature an Overtake Detection point. A driver running within one second of the car ahead at that location can gain access to additional energy for the following lap, creating another element for teams to consider when planning attacks and defending position.
With several realistic overtaking areas around the circuit, drivers could use that additional energy in different ways depending on track position and the situation ahead. Combined with the four Straight Mode zones, the system places electrical deployment and recovery among the most important technical considerations as Ferrari prepares for Formula 1’s return to Sepang.
Sepang F1 return: the ‘circuit from the future’ hosts 2026 Bahrain GP in Malaysia
Sepang International Circuit is returning to Formula 1 this weekend in extraordinary circumstances, hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia almost nine years after the championship last raced at the venue. It is an unexpected comeback for a circuit that, when it opened in 1999, seemed to belong to a future that Formula 1 had not yet reached.
Built near Kuala Lumpur International Airport on land reclaimed from a palm plantation, Sepang changed the way modern Formula 1 circuits were conceived. Designed by Hermann Tilke, it was the first F1 venue created entirely from scratch by the German architect and already contained many of the characteristics that would later define a new generation of Grand Prix facilities.
How Sepang became Formula 1’s circuit from the future
During the 1990s, Malaysia under Mahathir Mohamad was determined to establish itself among the world’s industrialised nations. The Multimedia Super Corridor, a new international airport and the development of Putrajaya were all intended to project an image of modernity and technological progress. A Formula 1 Grand Prix became part of that wider ambition.
Hermann Tilke, already known for his redesign of the A1-Ring, was commissioned to create a complete Formula 1 facility from a blank sheet of paper.
Construction began towards the end of 1997 and progressed at remarkable speed. The circuit was completed in roughly 14 months at a cost of 286 million ringgit, equivalent to around €61 million in today’s money. Sepang was officially inaugurated on 7 March 1999.
Formula 1 arrived later that same year. In October, Ferrari celebrated a one-two finish with Eddie Irvine and Michael Schumacher, a result that returned the Constructors’ Championship to Maranello. Previous winners, pole positions and historical benchmarks from Formula 1 venues can be explored through the F1 Circuit Records & Statistics.
A layout designed for racing and spectators
Sepang measures 5.543 kilometres and features 15 corners in a clockwise configuration. Two long straights, one extending beyond 900 metres, are separated by an extremely tight hairpin.
The track itself is unusually wide, ranging from a minimum of around 16 metres to more than 20 metres in certain sections. That width was not simply an aesthetic choice. It created the possibility of multiple racing lines, allowed drivers to run side by side and provided large, safe run-off areas at a time when safety was becoming an increasingly important priority in Formula 1.
The circuit’s infrastructure was equally forward-looking. Each garage offered around 200 square metres of space, while the paddock was large and carefully organised, anticipating standards that would become commonplace only years later.
The distinctive double-sided main grandstand, inspired by the leaves of palm trees, allowed tens of thousands of spectators to watch action on both sides of the straights. The overall capacity was around 130,000 spectators.
Advanced control technology, closed-circuit cameras and electronic marshal posts added to the impression that Sepang belonged to a different era. In 1999, much of the facility appeared to have arrived from a future that Formula 1 had not yet experienced.
Sepang helped define the modern Formula 1 circuit
Sepang was more than simply another racetrack. It became a statement of what a modern Formula 1 venue could be.
While many established European circuits were still operating with ageing facilities and limited run-off areas, Sepang offered space, safety, comfort for teams and the ability to divide the facility into two independent loops for smaller events.
Those qualities anticipated the so-called “Tilkedromes” that would become increasingly common on the Formula 1 calendar throughout the 2000s.
The tropical heat and humidity made racing in Malaysia a demanding test of both physical endurance and mechanical reliability. Yet the circuit itself remained balanced, asking questions of a complete Formula 1 car rather than rewarding only straight-line power or low-speed agility.
Why Formula 1 left Sepang in 2017
For 19 years, the Malaysian Grand Prix remained a regular fixture on the Formula 1 calendar. Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Räikkönen and Max Verstappen were among the drivers to claim memorable victories there.
Lewis Hamilton’s history at the venue is particularly relevant ahead of Formula 1’s return, with his previous Sepang experience potentially becoming a useful reference point as detailed in our look at why Lewis Hamilton’s Sepang experience could matter in Malaysia.
The final Malaysian Grand Prix of that original run took place in 2017. Hosting costs had increased, attendance had fallen and the Malaysian authorities ultimately decided not to renew the event.
The timing created an unusual paradox. That same season almost perfectly coincided with Formula 1’s change of ownership to Liberty Media, which was completed at the beginning of 2017.
As Formula 1 started evolving into an increasingly global entertainment product, expanding into new markets, experimenting with new formats and placing greater emphasis on commercial opportunities, Sepang disappeared from the calendar.
A facility conceived years ahead of its time left Formula 1 just as the championship itself was beginning to move towards many of the ideas that Sepang had embodied from the beginning.
Sepang makes an unexpected Formula 1 return
Now, the Malaysian circuit is preparing to welcome Formula 1 again under highly unusual circumstances. It will not return as the Malaysian Grand Prix but as the venue for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which has been transferred to Sepang because tensions made it impossible for the race to take place in Bahrain.
Fans preparing for the weekend can find the complete session timetable, television information and circuit details in our 2026 Bahrain GP at Sepang schedule and circuit guide.
The event could prove to be unique in Formula 1 history, an exception created by geopolitical circumstances rather than the beginning of a planned return to Malaysia.
At the same time, it represents a genuine opportunity for Sepang. After almost nine years away from Formula 1, the weekend gives Malaysia the chance to demonstrate that the facility remains capable of hosting the championship, that spectators still respond to the event and that the conditions may exist to consider a permanent Malaysian Grand Prix comeback in future years.
The place of Sepang within the wider 2026 season can also be followed through the complete 2026 Formula 1 calendar.
Could the Malaysian Grand Prix eventually return?
For anyone driving Sepang today, or watching from its distinctive palm-leaf-inspired grandstands this weekend, the signs of a different era remain easy to recognise.
The circuit was built with ideas that Formula 1 would only fully embrace years later: wide racing surfaces, extensive safety provisions, modern team facilities, strong spectator infrastructure and an overall design conceived for a global sporting event rather than merely a traditional racetrack.
That is what makes its return so unusual. Sepang was a circuit from the future, constructed when that future still seemed distant. It disappeared from Formula 1 at almost exactly the moment when that future was becoming reality.
Now, through the unusual circumstances of the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, Sepang has another opportunity to show that the future it helped anticipate may still have a place for it.
Sepang weather forecast: thunderstorms threaten 2026 Bahrain GP weekend
Thunderstorms are forecast throughout the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix weekend at Sepang, potentially giving Formula 1 its first genuinely wet running with the new generation of cars. Heavy rain is expected across Friday, Saturday and Sunday, making the weather one of the biggest variables of the Malaysian weekend.
The Bahrain Grand Prix will take place next weekend at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia after the event could not be held as originally scheduled in April because of the ongoing Middle East conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. In order to retain the race on the revised 2026 Formula 1 calendar, organisers found an alternative solution by moving the event away from Sakhir.
Instead of travelling to Bahrain, Formula 1 will now race on the other side of Asia at Sepang, around 6,000 kilometres from the original venue. The relocation gives the drivers a completely different circuit challenge, but it also introduces a dramatically different weather picture.
While the Bahrain International Circuit is located in the desert, where rainfall is rare, conditions in Malaysia can be far more unpredictable. According to forecasts provided by Meteo France, Formula 1 could experience its first sessions of the 2026 season genuinely run in wet conditions.
Sepang has already produced several memorable wet races during its Formula 1 history, and the Malaysian circuit could now host the first Grand Prix of the season significantly affected by rain. Fans can also explore previous winners, Ferrari results and historical venue data through the F1 Circuit Records & Statistics database.
Sepang weather forecast for the 2026 Bahrain GP weekend
Meteo France, which is also used by the FIA for detailed weather information at Formula 1 venues around the world, currently forecasts thunderstorms around Kuala Lumpur throughout the week leading into the Grand Prix.
Friday: heavy afternoon rain expected
Friday is expected to bring a minimum temperature of 24°C and a maximum of 32°C. Winds should be almost absent, with speeds of only around 5 km/h, but the main concern is the rain.
Heavy and persistent rainfall is forecast particularly during the afternoon. With so little wind, the rain could remain over the circuit for an extended period, potentially affecting the opening practice sessions.
Saturday qualifying faces an even greater rain threat
The situation is not expected to improve on Saturday, when qualifying will take place. In fact, conditions could become even more difficult.
While Friday’s rain is primarily expected during the afternoon, thunderstorms on 3 October are forecast to begin around Kuala Lumpur from the morning, or potentially even during the previous night. That could leave the circuit wet from the start of the day’s Formula 1 running.
Heavy rain also forecast for Sunday’s race
Sunday’s race day currently carries a very similar forecast. Temperatures and wind conditions are expected to remain largely unchanged, while heavy rainfall is again predicted. If those conditions materialise, the weather could make the work of both drivers and engineers considerably more complicated, introducing another major variable at a circuit that already represents a very different challenge from Bahrain.
Could Sepang bring the first wet running for the 2026 F1 cars?
This is not the first time during the 2026 season that forecasts have suggested rain. So far, however, the new-generation Formula 1 cars have not been seen on track using wet-weather tyres. With the conditions currently expected at Sepang, the Malaysian weekend could therefore provide the first opportunity to see the green-banded intermediate and blue-banded full wet Pirelli tyres in action with the 2026 cars.
The forecast will remain a key factor heading into the weekend, with Formula 1 now waiting to discover whether Sepang will deliver the first genuinely wet Grand Prix conditions of the new technical era.
2026 Bahrain GP at Sepang: F1 schedule, TV times and circuit guide
Formula 1 returns to Malaysia and the Sepang International Circuit for the first time since 2017, with the Kuala Lumpur venue hosting what will officially be the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The weekend runs from Friday 2 October to Sunday 4 October and brings one of Formula 1’s most distinctive circuits back onto the championship calendar.
Sepang last hosted a Formula 1 World Championship race in 2017, when Max Verstappen claimed what was then the second victory of his Formula 1 career. Nine years later, the championship returns to the Malaysian venue for an unusual edition of the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Ferrari arrives at Sepang looking to end its podium drought
Andrea Kimi Antonelli arrives in Malaysia with a 66-point championship advantage over George Russell, whose objective is straightforward: win and attempt to increase the pressure on the championship leader. The title situation can also be explored through the F1 Championship Points Calculator.
Ferrari, meanwhile, has gone five consecutive Grands Prix without reaching the podium. The Scuderia will hope that Sepang can provide an opportunity to rediscover stronger competitiveness, with the characteristics of the circuit potentially offering the SF-26 a better platform to show its strengths.
The full event will be broadcast live on Sky Sport F1. ScuderiaFans.com will also provide live text coverage throughout every Formula 1 session. The race forms Round 16 of the revised 2026 Formula 1 calendar.
2026 Bahrain GP at Sepang: TV schedule and times in CET
Friday 2 October
- 06:30 – Formula 1 Free Practice 1 – Sky Sport F1, live text coverage on ScuderiaFans.com
- 10:00 – Formula 1 Free Practice 2 – Sky Sport F1, live text coverage on ScuderiaFans.com
Saturday 3 October
- 06:30 – Formula 1 Free Practice 3 – Sky Sport F1, live text coverage on ScuderiaFans.com
- 10:00 – Formula 1 Qualifying – Sky Sport F1, live text coverage on ScuderiaFans.com
Sunday 4 October
- 09:00 – Formula 1 race – Sky Sport F1, live text coverage on ScuderiaFans.com
Sepang International Circuit characteristics
The Sepang International Circuit measures 5.543 kilometres and features 15 corners. The 2026 Grand Prix is scheduled over 56 laps, while the circuit race lap record is 1:34.080, set by Sebastian Vettel in 2017. Formula 1 first raced at Sepang in 1999.
The tyre compounds selected for the weekend are the C2, C3 and C4. The track places particularly high demands on traction, tyre management and aerodynamic performance, while the asphalt itself is highly demanding.
- Traction: 5/5
- Asphalt grip: 5/5
- Asphalt abrasion: 5/5
- Track evolution: 4/5
- Tyre stress: 5/5
- Braking demand: 4/5
- Lateral load: 5/5
- Aerodynamic load: 5/5
The combination of high tyre stress, strong lateral loads and significant aerodynamic demands makes Sepang a particularly complete test of a Formula 1 car. Previous winners, records and historical circuit data can also be explored through the F1 Circuit Records & Statistics section.
Why Marc Gené will not be on Sky Sport F1 for the Malaysian Grand Prix
Marc Gené will be absent from Sky Sport F1’s commentary team for the Malaysian Grand Prix as the former Formula 1 driver prepares to get married in Barcelona. His absence will last for only one race weekend, with the Spanish commentator stepping away from his usual television duties for the ceremony.
The announcement means viewers accustomed to hearing Marc Gené alongside Sky Sport F1’s regular commentary team will notice a change during the Malaysian GP weekend. Gené is normally a familiar presence both on the live broadcast and at the circuit, where his experience as a former driver allows him to provide technical insight into Formula 1 machinery and race weekends.
Why Marc Gené will miss the Malaysian Grand Prix
Marc Gené confirmed during a Sky Sport F1 broadcast that he will miss the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix because he is getting married to his partner. The ceremony is due to take place in Barcelona, according to the Spaniard, although no additional information about the wedding celebrations has been made public.
His absence is therefore temporary rather than a change to his longer-term role with the broadcaster. After one weekend away from Formula 1 commentary, he is expected to return to his usual duties.
The Malaysian event forms part of the wider 2026 Formula 1 calendar, with the race weekend providing the backdrop to a temporary adjustment in Sky Sport F1’s broadcast line-up.
Who will replace Marc Gené on Sky Sport F1?
The biggest unanswered question concerns who will take Marc Gené’s place alongside Carlo Vanzini during the Malaysian Grand Prix. Sky Sport F1 is preparing to cover the vacancy, but no replacement has yet been officially announced.
For the moment, the remainder of the broadcaster’s studio and trackside operation is expected to remain unchanged. That means the adjustment should be limited primarily to the technical commentary role usually occupied by Gené.
Marc Gené steps away from Formula 1 for a personal milestone
Born in Sabadell, Spain, on 29 March 1974, Ferrari Brand Ambassador Marc Gené has combined his motorsport background with television commentary after his racing career. His temporary absence in Malaysia will instead allow him to focus on an important personal occasion away from the paddock.
Spanish media have previously reported that Marc Gené was married to Eva Sakay between 2005 and 2012 and that they have two children, Siena and Patrick. Celebrity publications have also previously linked him to Telma Ortiz Rocasolano, the sister of Queen Letizia of Spain, although those reports described the relationship as alleged rather than confirmed.
For viewers, the main practical consequence is straightforward: Marc Gené will not be part of Sky Sport F1’s Malaysian Grand Prix commentary team, while the broadcaster has yet to reveal who will fill his role for the weekend.
How Ferrari is managing F1’s Baku, Sepang and Singapore logistics challenge
Formula 1 does not simply move from one circuit to the next. Behind every Grand Prix is a vast logistics operation that has to arrive before the cars, organise equipment, anticipate unexpected problems and, above all, ensure the team can work without interruption. When the 2026 Formula 1 calendar changes, as happened with Sepang being added to host the Bahrain Grand Prix, that challenge becomes even more complicated.
Giulia Alessandro, Ferrari’s Logistics Infrastructures & Warehouse Manager, explained on the Maranello team’s official website how demanding this phase of the season has become. Baku begins a triple-header that will take Formula 1 from Azerbaijan to Malaysia and then Singapore, involving different methods of transport, extremely compressed schedules and, in Sepang, a destination returning to the championship after many years away.
Ferrari F1 logistics shift from Madrid to Baku
Baku may formally be treated as a European event, but from a logistics perspective Ferrari manages it as a flyaway race. The difference is not simply geographical. After a long sequence of European Grands Prix in which most equipment has been transported by road, Ferrari must return to a combination of sea and air freight, completely changing the way its material is moved.
The transition has taken place within an especially tight timeframe. After Madrid, Ferrari’s equipment had to return to Maranello before being immediately reconfigured and prepared for the journey to Azerbaijan. The transfer from Spain to Italy already takes several hours and, just two days after the equipment arrived back at the factory, part of it had to be ready to leave again for Baku. Fans preparing for the same weekend can find the full 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix schedule and start times on ScuderiaFans.
It is at this stage that Formula 1 logistics almost become a parallel competition to the sporting one. Knowing where the championship is racing is not enough. Teams must decide well in advance which equipment will be required, how it should be divided between shipments and which form of transport can guarantee that everything reaches its destination on time.
For the Baku-Sepang-Singapore triple-header, confirmation that Sepang would be added to the calendar arrived with limited notice, but still early enough for Ferrari to avoid emergency solutions. The logistics department was able to prepare different equipment kits for the three destinations, organise the necessary sea freight and adapt its planning to the revised sequence of races.
Sepang creates the biggest unknown for Ferrari
Malaysia, however, will present the greatest uncertainty. Formula 1 has not raced at Sepang for many years, meaning Ferrari will have to deal directly at the circuit with several variables that are difficult to predict completely in advance. The climate adds another complication, requiring particularly careful planning for the team’s installations and day-to-day operational activities.
The objective sounds straightforward on paper: everything must be available exactly when it is required, in the right condition and without the complexity of moving from one country to another affecting the team’s work. Achieving that, however, depends on preparations beginning long before the cars appear in the pit lane.
Sepang’s return is one of the unusual features of the revised 2026 schedule. For readers looking back at previous Formula 1 venues, winners, pole positions and historical benchmarks, the F1 Circuit Records & Statistics section provides additional historical circuit context.
Ferrari is already preparing its 2027 F1 logistics
Perhaps the most revealing part of Formula 1 logistics is the work that does not correspond with the calendar visible to fans. While Ferrari prepares for Baku, Sepang and Singapore, the department is already working on the following season. There is no precise moment when one championship closes and planning for the next one begins.
The two processes run in parallel throughout the year. Some components require significant production lead times, while sea freight makes even earlier planning necessary. Ferrari’s logistics operation must therefore focus simultaneously on what the team needs immediately and what will be required many months into the future.
As the current season progresses, planning for the next championship naturally becomes more important. Final confirmation of future calendars allows the department to define more precisely the operations required both to complete the ongoing campaign and to prepare for the next one. It is a process in which the margin for error has to be kept to an absolute minimum because the gap between Formula 1 seasons is far shorter from a logistics perspective than it may appear from the outside.
One of the most delicate periods is the window immediately after the final Grand Prix. In some cases, Ferrari’s equipment can remain in Italy for only around 15 days before it has to be shipped again towards the first destinations of the new championship. What appears to fans as a winter break is therefore an extremely intense operational period for the logistics department.
F1 suppliers also have to work months ahead
That level of planning inevitably extends to Ferrari’s suppliers. Anticipating the team’s future requirements gives them the opportunity to organise their resources, workload and production capacity in sufficient time. The Formula 1 calendar, in other words, cannot simply be followed as the season unfolds. Months in advance, it has to be converted into a sequence involving shipments, equipment, personnel and infrastructure.
This highlights one of the most unusual aspects of the operation. Ferrari still has to complete the current Formula 1 season, yet part of its organisation is already focused on the beginning of the next one. And while the upcoming championship is being planned, some decisions already concern its second half.
The circuit is therefore only the final link in a much longer chain. When a Formula 1 car reaches a track and everything around it appears simply to be ready, it means someone began preparing for that moment many months earlier.
F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia faces haze concerns as Sepang preparations continue
Unhealthy air quality around Sepang is creating an additional challenge for preparations ahead of Formula 1’s return to Malaysia, where the Sepang International Circuit is due to host the Bahrain Grand Prix. Haze affecting several areas of the country, including the Sepang region and the Klang Valley, has pushed Air Pollution Index readings into unhealthy territory as work continues to prepare the circuit for the October event.
Readings have fluctuated between 160 and 180 in several areas, with the pollution linked to transboundary fires originating mainly from Kalimantan and Sumatra. The deteriorating conditions are creating concern not only for everyday activities in the region, but also for the construction work and final operational tests required before Formula 1 arrives.
The unusual event forms part of the revised 2026 Formula 1 calendar, with Sepang preparing to stage the Bahrain Grand Prix as Formula 1 returns to the Malaysian venue. Local and national authorities are closely monitoring the situation, aware that any further deterioration in air quality could make logistics more difficult and increase safety concerns for personnel working at the circuit.
Sepang preparations for F1 Bahrain GP reach around 80%
Despite the difficult environmental conditions, renovation and upgrade work at Sepang is continuing according to plan. Operations began at the start of September, with the circuit closed to the public so targeted work could be carried out on the facilities and the venue could meet the standards required by Formula One Management and the FIA.
Preparations are now approximately 80% complete. Around 500 volunteers have also been identified and are undergoing training ahead of the event, adding another important element to the operational preparations required for the Grand Prix.
The relevant authorities continue to monitor progress and have expressed satisfaction that the scheduled timetable is being respected. Work covers the track surface as well as technical areas, grandstands, facilities for the Formula 1 teams and structures intended for spectators.
The objective is to bring the entire circuit up to the standards required for a modern Formula 1 race. Temporarily closing Sepang to the public has allowed work to continue without interruption while giving organisers the opportunity to carry out the necessary inspections and tests before the event.
Sepang has a long history with Formula 1, and previous winners, circuit benchmarks and records from venues across the championship can be explored through the F1 Circuit Records & Statistics section.
Malaysia haze could require additional safety measures
Authorities and event organisers are continuing to assess the development of the haze and its potential effect on outdoor activities. If pollution readings deteriorate further, adjustments or additional protective measures could become necessary to safeguard drivers, team personnel, circuit workers and spectators.
For now, there is no indication that work at Sepang has been suspended. Preparations are continuing with the aim of ensuring that all facilities are fully operational and capable of meeting the expectations associated with an international Formula 1 event.
The situation will nevertheless test the ability of organisers to manage and adapt during the final phase before the Grand Prix. Air quality is expected to remain under constant observation in the weeks leading up to the event, particularly if particulate levels continue to remain elevated.
Air quality monitoring remains central to Sepang preparations
Specific protocols could be introduced if conditions require them, particularly measures designed to reduce prolonged exposure to outdoor air for those working around the circuit. Such precautions would become increasingly relevant if haze levels remain high while construction, operational testing and event preparation intensify.
The challenge therefore extends beyond simply completing the physical work at Sepang. Organisers must also ensure that the circuit can operate safely if environmental conditions remain difficult, while maintaining the preparation schedule required for Formula 1’s return.
Malaysian institutions, circuit management and international organisers are working together with the objective of allowing the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia to take place under the best possible conditions. Their task is to ensure that the environmental challenge does not compromise the event, while demonstrating the organisational flexibility and resilience required to stage Formula 1 at Sepang once again.
Pirelli reveals 2026 F1 tyre choices for Baku, Sepang and Singapore
Pirelli has confirmed the Formula 1 tyre compounds for Baku, Sepang and Singapore, the three races that will form a triple-header stretching from late September into early October. The two street circuits will receive the softest trio in Pirelli’s 2026 range, while a more conservative intermediate selection has been chosen for Formula 1’s return to Malaysia.
With the dates for the final phase of the Formula 1 World Championship still being clarified, Pirelli has now officially informed the teams of its compound selections for the three consecutive race weekends. The sequence will begin with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in late September, continue with the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia at Sepang and conclude with the Singapore Grand Prix in early October.
Pirelli chooses softest F1 tyre compounds for Baku and Singapore
For both Baku and Singapore, Pirelli has selected the softest three compounds in its range: the C3 will be designated as the Hard, the C4 as the Medium and the C5 as the Soft.
Both events take place on street circuits, although their characteristics are very different. The Baku City Circuit combines slow, technical sections with an exceptionally long flat-out stretch, while Singapore provides another demanding urban challenge later in the triple-header.
Sepang gets intermediate Pirelli tyre range for Bahrain GP in Malaysia
For the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will be held at the Sepang International Circuit from 2 to 4 October, Pirelli will instead use its intermediate range of C2, C3 and C4 compounds. The Malaysian circuit places a medium level of stress on the tyres compared with the scale Pirelli uses to assess all the venues on the Formula 1 calendar.
The asphalt in Kuala Lumpur is particularly abrasive and has not been resurfaced since Formula 1 last raced there in 2017. Rather than selecting the hardest available compounds, Pirelli has opted for the C2-C4 range in an effort to reduce the lap-time difference between one-stop and two-stop strategies.
The intention is to create a wider range of viable tactical options during the race, potentially making tyre management and the timing of pit stops more influential at a circuit Formula 1 has not visited for almost a decade.
Triple-header adds another strategic challenge for F1 teams
The three events will therefore present teams with distinctly different tyre demands in quick succession. Baku and Singapore will use the C3, C4 and C5 compounds, while Sepang moves one step towards the harder end of the range with C2, C3 and C4.
The unusual Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia also forms part of the revised 2026 Formula 1 calendar, with Sepang hosting the event between Azerbaijan and Singapore. For Ferrari and its rivals, understanding how each compound behaves across three very different circuits will add another important variable to an already demanding late-season sequence.
Formula 1’s Sepang return gets a major ticket boost for Malaysian fans
Malaysian Formula 1 fans will be able to attend the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang with special three-day tickets starting from just 200 ringgit, after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a discounted scheme for MyKad holders. The initiative provides a clearer picture of local access to Formula 1’s unusual return to Malaysia, after the original ticket sales page appeared online before being quickly removed.
The event, officially named the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, will take place at the Sepang International Circuit. It will offer access across all three days of the weekend, with a combination of covered grandstands and open-air viewing areas designed for both Malaysian and international spectators. Formula 1’s return to the venue comes through the exceptional relocation of the Bahrain Grand Prix, with the 2026 Bahrain GP officially scheduled to take place at Sepang.
Anwar Ibrahim announces RM200 Bahrain GP tickets for Malaysians
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced special Madani tickets for MyKad holders, with prices starting at 200 ringgit, equivalent to approximately $49. The measure is intended to make Formula 1’s return to Sepang accessible to a greater number of Malaysian citizens.
In a Facebook post, Anwar Ibrahim said: “Following discussions and an agreement with Bahrain, the government is pleased to announce special Madani tickets for MyKad holders, starting from just 200 ringgit for access during all three days of the event.”
The Malaysian prime minister stressed that the aim is to broaden opportunities for local fans to experience Formula 1 directly. “We hope this initiative gives more Malaysians the opportunity to experience F1 in person at Sepang,” Anwar Ibrahim added.
The special Madani tickets were agreed in collaboration with the Bahraini authorities, with Bahrain acting as the organiser of the Grand Prix. Earlier information had already indicated Malaysian ticket prices ranging from 200 ringgit for the G Hillstand to more than 2,000 ringgit, approximately $490, for the Main Grandstand.
The latest announcement therefore confirms and strengthens the discounted access available to holders of Malaysia’s national identity card. Further details covering purchasing procedures and ticket availability are expected to be communicated soon by the Sepang International Circuit. The announcement follows earlier uncertainty after the initial 2026 Bahrain GP ticket prices appeared online before the sales page disappeared.
2026 Bahrain GP ticket prices for international spectators
For spectators who are not Malaysian citizens, ticket prices are listed in US dollars and include access for the entire Formula 1 weekend.
- Main Grandstand: $566.05, offering seated accommodation and a rooftop section.
- K1 Grandstand: $350.13, with seating and rooftop access.
- F Grandstand: $376.39.
- B Hillstand: $218.90 for the open-air grass viewing area.
- C Hillstand: $218.90 for the open-air grass viewing area.
Children aged between three and six receive a 25% discount, with the exception of the G Hillstand. Children under the age of three can enter free of charge, although they will not receive an allocated seat.
Formula 1 prepares for its return to Sepang
The ticket arrangements provide another important piece of the preparation surrounding Formula 1’s return to Malaysia. Sepang will host the Bahrain Grand Prix rather than a conventional Malaysian Grand Prix, creating one of the most unusual events on the 2026 calendar. Fans planning for the weekend can also find dedicated information in our 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang guide.
With discounted Madani tickets now confirmed for MyKad holders and separate full-weekend pricing available for international visitors, the picture surrounding spectator access is becoming clearer. The next step will be the release of further purchasing and availability details from the Sepang International Circuit as preparations continue for Formula 1’s return to the Malaysian venue.
2026 Bahrain GP in Malaysia ticket prices revealed before sales page disappears
Formula 1’s return to Malaysian soil is taking shape with the official launch of ticket sales for the event branded the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The race will be held at the Sepang International Circuit and is set to offer a full three-day experience, with covered grandstands and open-air viewing areas aimed at both international visitors and local fans.
However, there is already an unusual twist surrounding the 2026 Bahrain GP in Malaysia ticket prices. The webpage dedicated to ticket sales has been removed and is currently no longer accessible, despite the price list having already appeared online. The event forms part of the revised 2026 Formula 1 calendar, which will bring F1 back to Sepang.
2026 Bahrain GP Malaysia ticket prices for international fans
For non-Malaysian citizens, prices were listed in US dollars and covered access for the entire race weekend. Several grandstand and open-air options were available at different price points.
- Main Grandstand: seated and rooftop access, priced at $566.05.
- K1 Grandstand: seated and rooftop access, priced at $350.13.
- F Grandstand: priced at $376.39.
- B Hillstand: grass and open-air viewing, priced at $218.90.
- C Hillstand: grass and open-air viewing, priced at $218.90.
Children aged between three and six receive a 25% discount, excluding the G Hillstand, while children under the age of three can enter free of charge but are not allocated a seat.
Cheaper Sepang F1 tickets for Malaysian MyKad holders
The situation is different for Malaysian citizens. Holders of a valid MyKad can purchase tickets at reduced prices, subject to identity verification. The special ticket rates for Malaysian fans cover the same main viewing areas, while the G Hillstand is reserved exclusively for the local public.
- Main Grandstand: approximately $509.
- K1 Grandstand: approximately $339.
- F Grandstand: approximately $316.
- B Hillstand: approximately $198.
- C Hillstand: approximately $198.
- G Hillstand: approximately $49 and available exclusively to Malaysian fans.
Children between three and six again receive a 25% discount, with the exception of the G Hillstand, while younger children can enter without a ticket but will not receive an allocated seat.
The discounted rates are strictly reserved for holders of valid Malaysian identification. Any discounted ticket that does not correspond to a valid MyKad, or otherwise fails to satisfy the eligibility requirements, will be invalidated.
Sepang will not receive the Bahrain GP ticket revenue
Despite hosting the Formula 1 weekend, Sepang International Circuit will not generate any revenue from ticket sales. All money raised through ticket sales will instead go directly to the Bahrain Grand Prix organisation.
Sepang International Circuit CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif explained: “All the revenue from ticket sales will go back to Bahrain, so we do not have absolute power to decide certain things.”
Sepang will share the event’s operating costs with the Bahrain Grand Prix organisation, while the latter will cover the Formula 1 hosting fee in full.
According to Azhan Shafriman Hanif, total operating expenditure, including preparation of the circuit, is expected to be around $13 million. Despite receiving no direct ticket revenue, Malaysia considers the Formula 1 event highly beneficial to the country’s wider economy.
Malaysia expects a major economic impact from Formula 1
Azhan Shafriman Hanif highlighted the potential spillover effect of hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix: “Looking at the bigger picture, we have to consider the spillover effect. From reports from countries that host an F1 Grand Prix, you can obtain more than three times the value. This means Malaysia has the potential to generate an economic impact of $244 million.”
He also pointed to Formula 1’s renewed global popularity and the extent to which demand for attending races has changed in recent years.
“In the past we had to work hard to sell tickets. Today Formula 1 has built a huge global fan base and created a strong fear of missing out on the event. Since the announcement, we have received enquiries about sponsorships, festivals and commercial activities. It is a good problem to have,” Azhan Shafriman Hanif said.
Malaysia F1 return forces drivers to start heat training during summer break
Formula 1’s return to Malaysia is already changing how drivers prepare for the second half of the 2026 season, with heat acclimation beginning during the summer break rather than after it. The revised calendar has created a demanding run of races that places greater emphasis on sleep, recovery and preparation for extreme temperatures before drivers even return to the paddock.
The challenge extends well beyond racing at Sepang itself. The closing phase of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar is set to feature nine race weekends across only 11 weeks, beginning with a triple-header that includes the hot-weather events in Malaysia and Singapore. That compressed schedule means the traditional mid-season pause has become an important part of physical preparation for what follows.
F1 driver training changes before the Malaysia return
Dr Elina Haukipuro, a sports psychologist who previously worked as a medical doctor with Mercedes and Williams, has explained how the calendar has altered the drivers’ summer programmes. During her career, she has worked with Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and Valtteri Bottas, giving her direct experience of the physical and psychological demands placed on Formula 1 competitors.
The first priority during the break remains genuine recovery. Drivers initially need time to disconnect mentally from Formula 1, reduce their normal training load and build up sleep after the intensity of the opening half of the championship. That period cannot continue indefinitely, however, because the workload waiting after the break requires preparation to restart gradually.
This season, one important element has had to begin particularly early: training the body to cope with heat. Haukipuro explained that accumulating recovery and sufficient sleep during the summer is crucial because the next phase of the season will immediately expose drivers to a demanding triple-header, including the high temperatures expected in Malaysia and Singapore.
Heat acclimation begins before drivers return to racing
As a result, specific heat training has already been incorporated into summer-break programmes. Rather than waiting until race week to adapt, drivers are beginning that process in advance so their bodies are better prepared for the environmental stress they will face once the championship reaches its hotter venues.
That preparation adds another layer to what is already a delicate balance during the Formula 1 summer shutdown. Too much intense training would undermine the recovery benefits of the break, while leaving serious preparation too late would reduce the time available to adapt before the toughest part of the calendar.
For drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, who Haukipuro has previously worked with, the challenge is therefore not simply to maintain fitness. The summer period has to combine mental detachment, reduced workload and adequate sleep with a controlled return to training before the next demanding block of races begins.
Triple-header makes recovery more important
The calendar change has increased the significance of that planning. Malaysia’s return removed what had originally been expected to be a free weekend and instead contributed to a sequence of three consecutive Grands Prix, reducing the opportunity for recovery once that stretch has started.
Haukipuro stressed that when drivers face several demanding races consecutively without a weekend off, arriving properly rested becomes much more important. She also indicated that heat preparation needs to begin well in advance rather than being treated as something that can be completed immediately before travelling to a hot Grand Prix.
That combination of conditions explains why time away from the circuit cannot simply be viewed as complete inactivity. Every part of the break has a purpose: first allowing drivers to recover physically and mentally, then gradually restoring their workload and preparing them for the specific conditions of the races ahead.
Malaysia adds a new dimension to the 2026 F1 calendar
The return to Sepang therefore has consequences that begin long before drivers arrive in Malaysia. High temperatures are demanding on their own, but placing Malaysia and Singapore within an intense sequence of consecutive race weekends increases the importance of preparation, particularly when the wider schedule contains nine events in just 11 weeks.
For Formula 1 drivers, the summer break is consequently becoming a carefully managed transition rather than a simple division between racing and rest. Recovery remains essential, but the revised 2026 schedule means they must also use part of that period to prepare for heat, limited recovery time between events and one of the most concentrated stretches of the season.
2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang: FIA confirms qualifying and race times
The FIA has confirmed that the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit will start at 15:00 local time on Sunday 4 October, ruling out the possibility of the race being held under floodlights. Qualifying will begin at 16:00 local time on Saturday 3 October, following confusion caused by an incorrect schedule displayed in the official Formula 1 app.
The unusual event, officially retaining the Bahrain Grand Prix name despite being held in Malaysia, will take place from 2 to 4 October. Sepang was added to the revised 2026 Formula 1 calendar after the race originally planned for Sakhir could not be held at its usual venue.
F1 app error suggested a Sepang night race
An error in the calendar section of the official Formula 1 app briefly led fans to believe that the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia would be staged in the evening. Sepang has an artificial lighting system, making the suggestion technically plausible and creating speculation that Formula 1 could use the circuit for a night race.
The information was incorrect. Race organisers quickly denied that an evening start had been planned and clarified that the Grand Prix would follow a traditional daytime schedule. The FIA has now provided official confirmation through its updated list of session start times.
The clarification ends the uncertainty created by the erroneous listing and confirms that the possible Sepang night-race schedule will not be used.
What time does the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix start at Sepang?
The FIA published the qualifying and race start times for the final 12 rounds of the season on its official social media accounts. The update also included the two remaining Sprint races, which will be held at Zandvoort and Singapore.
For the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, the confirmed schedule is:
- Qualifying: Saturday 3 October at 16:00 local time
- Race: Sunday 4 October at 15:00 local time
The Grand Prix will complete an unprecedented Asian triple-header following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku and the nearby Singapore Grand Prix. The Sepang weekend will also mark Formula 1’s return to the Malaysian circuit, although the event will officially be classified as the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix.
Italian and European start times for the Bahrain GP in Malaysia
The time-zone difference makes the schedule less convenient for European viewers, although the sessions will not begin at prohibitive hours. Malaysia does not observe daylight saving time, while Italy will still be using Central European Summer Time during the first weekend of October.
Italy will therefore be six hours behind Kuala Lumpur. Qualifying will begin at 10:00 CEST on Saturday 3 October, while the race will start at 09:00 CEST on Sunday 4 October.
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the race is scheduled to begin at 08:00, with qualifying starting at 09:00 on Saturday.
Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain on the updated schedule
The FIA’s revised start-time graphic continues to list Qatar and Abu Dhabi as the final two events of the 2026 season. Both rounds remain in their expected positions on the calendar.
However, uncertainty remains over the end of the championship. Should instability in the Persian Gulf continue, the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix could be cancelled and replaced by one or two European races.
Stefano Domenicali recently confirmed that Formula 1 is considering contingency options. Imola and Portimão are believed to be the leading candidates to join the calendar during 2026 should replacement venues be required, potentially creating an unexpected European conclusion to the season.
For now, the final two rounds remain scheduled as planned. The immediate certainty concerns the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia: Formula 1 will race at Sepang during daylight, with the start confirmed for 15:00 local time on 4 October.
Why Lewis Hamilton’s Sepang experience could matter in Malaysia F1 return
Lewis Hamilton could take a valuable experience advantage into Formula 1’s return to Malaysia, with the Ferrari driver already familiar with the distinctive demands of the Sepang International Circuit. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli, by contrast, has never contested a Grand Prix at the Malaysian venue and will have to prepare largely through simulator work.
Formula 1 has confirmed that the postponed Bahrain Grand Prix will instead be staged at Sepang in response to the continuing conflict in the Middle East. The change brings a popular 3.444-mile circuit back to the championship for the first time since 2017 and introduces another potentially important variable into the battle between Hamilton and Antonelli.
Why Lewis Hamilton’s Sepang experience could prove valuable
Hamilton is among the small number of current Formula 1 drivers who have previously won the Malaysian Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion triumphed at Sepang in 2014, giving him first-hand knowledge of the circuit’s layout, climate and physical demands.
Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen have also won at the Selangor-based track. However, Aston Martin’s position towards the back of the midfield and Red Bull’s inconsistent form could make it more difficult for either driver to capitalise on that experience by the time Formula 1 arrives in Malaysia.
Ferrari’s current competitiveness means Hamilton may be better placed to convert his familiarity with Sepang into a meaningful result. That possibility carries additional significance because the British driver reached the summer break as Antonelli’s closest championship challenger, with the wider situation already prompting discussion about Ferrari’s approach to its 2026 title campaign.
Kimi Antonelli faces an unfamiliar Malaysian Grand Prix
Kimi Antonelli and the other drivers without previous Sepang experience will be able to study the circuit extensively in their teams’ simulators. Virtual preparation can help them learn its corner sequences, braking points and basic setup requirements, but it cannot fully reproduce the physical challenge of driving in Malaysia’s heat and humidity.
Those conditions could make the opening sessions particularly demanding for newcomers. The Singapore Grand Prix will be held one week after the Malaysian event, meaning the drivers will not have the opportunity to acclimatise to comparable conditions immediately beforehand.
Sepang’s return therefore adds an unusual challenge to the 2026 Formula 1 calendar. Rather than arriving at a venue the entire grid knows well, Antonelli and many of his rivals will need to translate simulator preparation into performance at a circuit they have never experienced in a Formula 1 car.
Hamilton’s driving approach may suit the challenge
Hamilton’s preference for developing his understanding of a car through natural feel rather than relying entirely on simulator work could also become useful in Malaysia. His limited simulator mileage at Maranello attracted criticism during the most difficult period of his first Ferrari season, but the seven-time world champion responded with a significant improvement in results.
That approach does not remove the need for detailed preparation, nor does previous experience guarantee success. It could nevertheless help Hamilton recognise changing grip levels and adapt more quickly to the combination of heat, humidity and an old-school circuit that has been absent from Formula 1 for several seasons.
The opportunity arrives at an important point in his championship pursuit. Hamilton entered the summer break 50 points behind Antonelli, although penalties, contact and strategic setbacks have potentially cost him significant ground during the opening part of the campaign. An assessment of Ferrari’s missed opportunities in the title fight illustrates how costly small margins have already become.
Formula 1 returns to Sepang after nine years
The Malaysian Grand Prix disappeared from the calendar after its 2017 edition. Despite Sepang remaining highly regarded by supporters, rising hosting fees and declining local ticket sales brought its original Formula 1 run to an end.
Its comeback, funded by Bahraini officials as a replacement for their postponed race, has been warmly received by fans. For Hamilton, it also creates an opportunity to revisit the scene of one of his victories from Mercedes’ dominant 2014 campaign.
If the Ferrari driver can reproduce that level of success, the Malaysian Grand Prix could add another decisive chapter to his fight with Antonelli. The Mercedes driver will arrive with the championship lead, but Hamilton possesses something that cannot be recreated completely in a simulator: competitive Formula 1 experience around Sepang in the circuit’s demanding tropical conditions.
Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia: F1’s strangest race names explained
The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will take place at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, creating one of the most unusual race arrangements in Formula 1 history. Although holding a Bahrain Grand Prix thousands of miles away in Malaysia may appear strange, the championship has previously staged several races under the name of another country or territory.
The announcement that Formula 1’s return to Malaysia this year would be branded as the Bahrain Grand Prix generated both amusement and confusion. Sepang is one of Malaysia’s most recognisable sporting venues and was the first of the modern generation of Asian Formula 1 circuits designed by Hermann Tilke. Malaysia therefore established an important place on the calendar long before its original agreement with Formula One Management ended in 2017. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
The circuit has remained popular with supporters during its absence, particularly as debate has intensified over the growing number of street circuits in Formula 1. Sepang is also located beside Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia’s principal international gateway, making the decision to brand a race there as the Bahrain Grand Prix especially unusual.
However, the continuing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has created an exceptional situation. Bahrain retains the naming rights to a Grand Prix that it is unable to stage within its own borders, while Sepang will host the race from 2 to 4 October as part of a revised 2026 Formula 1 calendar. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Although the Malaysia-Bahrain arrangement is unprecedented in certain respects, it is not the first time Formula 1 has organised a race under the name of a different country.
San Marino Grand Prix held at Imola in Italy
The best-known example is the San Marino Grand Prix. First held in 1981, the race was named after the tiny landlocked state of San Marino despite actually taking place at Imola in Italy.
Imola had hosted the Italian Grand Prix in 1980 while Monza was undergoing renovation and was therefore unavailable. Once the updated Monza circuit was ready to stage Formula 1 again the following year, the championship needed a different identity for the Imola event to distinguish between the two races held in Italy.
The San Marino name was chosen and remained attached to Imola’s Formula 1 round from 1981 until 2006. When the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari returned to the calendar during the pandemic in 2020, the event was given another identity based on the Italian region in which the circuit is located. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
As a result, Imola has hosted Formula 1 races under three different names: the Italian Grand Prix, the San Marino Grand Prix and the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. The circuit’s heritage has continued to make it a candidate whenever opportunities emerge for a possible Imola return to the Formula 1 calendar.
Luxembourg Grand Prix staged at the Nürburgring
Luxembourg has only one permanent racing circuit, and it was not built to Formula 1 standards. The venue is primarily used by its owner, Goodyear, for driver training, with a TCR event in 2016 representing its most prominent motor race.
Despite this, the Luxembourg Grand Prix appeared on the Formula 1 calendar twice during the 1990s. Both races were actually held at the Nürburgring in Germany, approximately 80 kilometres from the border between the two countries.
This was a period in which Formula 1 was experiencing a major boom in Germany. Michael Schumacher’s success drove the championship to new levels of popularity in the country, and Germany began hosting two rounds of the world championship from 1995.
Hockenheim retained the German Grand Prix name, while the Nürburgring hosted an event called the European Grand Prix. However, when the European Grand Prix title was assigned to Jerez in 1997, the Nürburgring race was rebranded as the Luxembourg Grand Prix for two seasons.
From 1999, the Nürburgring organisers were once again able to call their event the European Grand Prix, and the Luxembourg name disappeared from the Formula 1 calendar. The German venue continued to stage races under the European title in later years, including the 2003 European Grand Prix at the Nürburgring.
Swiss Grand Prix races held in France
Switzerland was one of the original host nations of the Formula 1 World Championship, staging races at the Bremgarten circuit between 1950 and 1954. The country had already organised important motorsport events before the championship was established, with Auto Union, now part of Audi, and Mercedes-Benz dominating early editions of the Swiss Grand Prix.
Everything changed following the infamous 1955 Le Mans disaster in France. Switzerland banned circuit racing on safety grounds, and the Bremgarten track in Bern was gradually reclaimed by nature. Motor racing did not return to Swiss soil until Formula E visited Zurich in 2018.
Nevertheless, two motor races were held under the Swiss Grand Prix name between 1955 and 2018 without taking place in Switzerland.
A non-championship race was staged at Dijon in France under the Swiss Grand Prix title in 1975. When the event returned in 1982, it counted towards the Formula 1 World Championship. Keke Rosberg claimed the only victory of his title-winning Williams campaign at that race.
Earlier this year, Switzerland removed its long-standing federal ban on circuit motorsport after previously creating an exemption for electric racing that allowed Formula E events to be held in Zurich and Bern. Circuit racing became legally possible again from 1 July 2026, although individual events remain subject to the required local approvals. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Why Baku’s first F1 race was called the European Grand Prix
The 2016 European Grand Prix was another unusual example, although the race was not technically held under the flag of a different country. When Formula 1 made its debut on the streets of Baku in 2016, the event was branded as the European Grand Prix rather than the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Azerbaijan is commonly described as a transcontinental country extending across Europe and Asia. However, its capital, Baku, lies east of the Greater Caucasus and is generally regarded as being geographically within Asia.
The choice of name therefore appeared unusual, particularly because previous editions of the European Grand Prix had taken place at circuits including Donington Park, Jerez, the Nürburgring and Valencia.
From 2017 onwards, the Baku race adopted the Azerbaijan Grand Prix name, which it has continued to use. The event now occupies an established place on the calendar, while Formula 1 is already working to define the structure and presentation timetable for its 2027 Formula 1 schedule.
Bahrain’s Sepang race adds a new chapter to F1 hist
Sepang confirms afternoon race after F1 app sparks night GP confusion
The 2026 Formula 1 race at Sepang will take place in the afternoon, circuit officials have confirmed, ending speculation that Malaysia’s return to the calendar could become a night Grand Prix. The confusion began when the official F1 app displayed the 4 October race between 20:00 and 22:00 local time.
Malaysian national news agency Bernama investigated the published schedule and established that the evening listing was an error. Sepang International Circuit CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif then issued a brief clarification confirming that the Grand Prix would be staged during the afternoon rather than at night.
Sepang GP start time corrected after F1 app error
The timing shown in the Formula 1 app quickly attracted attention on social media because it appeared to come from an official platform. Reports consequently raised the possibility that the championship was preparing to introduce a night race for its return to Sepang.
The incorrect listing showed the Grand Prix beginning at 20:00 and ending at 22:00 in Malaysia. That schedule had fuelled the earlier discussion over whether Formula 1 could stage its first Sepang night race, but the clarification from the circuit has now ruled out that prospect.
Although the event has been confirmed for the afternoon, no corrected start time was provided in the statement attributed to Azhan Shafriman Hanif. The central point, however, is that Formula 1 will not adopt the evening timetable originally displayed by its app.
How Sepang’s return fits into the 2026 F1 calendar
Formula 1 confirmed Sepang’s return the previous Sunday after reaching an agreement with the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain. The Malaysian circuit will stage the round that replaces the Bahrain event cancelled from its original April slot amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The arrangement allows the Bahrain Grand Prix to remain part of the championship despite the race being held away from the Bahrain International Circuit. Further details about the unusual agreement and the event scheduled for 2–4 October were outlined when Formula 1 announced the relocated Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang.
Saudi Arabia’s original 2026 race was also cancelled because of the regional situation. Adding the Sepang event restored another round to the revised 2026 Formula 1 calendar while bringing the Malaysian venue back into the championship.
Formula 1 returns to Malaysia for the first time since 2017
Sepang last hosted Formula 1 in 2017, when Max Verstappen won ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Daniel Ricciardo. Its comeback therefore ends a nine-year absence for a circuit that was a regular fixture on the calendar for nearly two decades.
Across the Malaysian Grand Prix’s 19 years in Formula 1, the race was always held during the afternoon. That history further distinguishes Sepang from established night events such as Singapore and Las Vegas.
The error on the F1 app briefly suggested that the circuit’s return would introduce a major break with that tradition. Instead, the confirmation from Sepang means the 2026 race will follow the daytime format associated with Malaysia’s previous Formula 1 events.
Formula 1’s Sepang return could come with an unexpected night-race twist
Formula 1’s published schedule for its 2026 return to Sepang has raised the possibility of a night race in Malaysia, with both qualifying and the Grand Prix currently listed for after sunset. The official championship website shows Saturday’s qualifying session beginning at 21:00 local time and Sunday’s race getting under way at 20:00.
Those timings would add a striking new dimension to the Bahrain Grand Prix’s exceptional relocation to Sepang on 2–4 October. However, Formula 1 has not formally announced that the event will be staged as a night Grand Prix, leaving open the possibility that the schedule is provisional and could still be revised.
Published 2026 Sepang schedule points to a night race
The event is officially designated as the 2026 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix despite being held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. According to the times currently published by Formula 1, the weekend schedule in Central European time is:
Friday, 2 October
- Free Practice 1 – 10:30
- Free Practice 2 – 14:30
Saturday, 3 October
- Free Practice 3 – 11:00
- Qualifying – 15:00
Sunday, 4 October
- Race – 14:00
Converted to local time at Sepang, FP1 would begin at 16:30 before FP2 starts at 20:30. Saturday’s final practice session would take place at 17:00, followed by qualifying at 21:00, while the Grand Prix would start at 20:00 on Sunday.
The listed schedule therefore places qualifying and the race entirely after sunset. That has immediately generated interest among fans as Formula 1 prepares to add Sepang to the evolving 2026 F1 calendar.
Formula 1 has not confirmed a Sepang night race
Despite the appearance of these times on Formula 1’s official website, no separate announcement has yet confirmed that Sepang will host its first F1 race under floodlights. The timetable may reflect the organisers’ preferred plan, but it could also consist of preliminary information awaiting final approval.
Changes therefore remain possible in the weeks leading up to the definitive release. Until Formula 1 clarifies the format, the published timetable should not be treated as formal confirmation of a fully nocturnal event.
Nevertheless, the prospect is technically credible because Sepang already possesses lighting around much of its layout. The circuit’s fast, flowing configuration and unpredictable tropical weather could make racing after dark a distinctive challenge, adding another variable to a venue that will already place unusual demands on the 2026 Formula 1 power units.
Sepang has already hosted racing under floodlights
Sepang is one of the relatively small number of permanent Asian circuits equipped with extensive track lighting. It has staged several events around sunset or at night in recent years, providing practical evidence that motorsport can be held there after dark.
The WTCR raced under the lights at Sepang in 2019, including in wet conditions. One year later, the circuit hosted the Merdeka Race entirely at night. Those events demonstrated the basic capability of the existing infrastructure, but Formula 1 would impose considerably more demanding requirements.
Floodlights alone would not necessarily make the circuit ready for a full F1 night race. The FIA and Formula 1 would require consistently high illumination across the entire track, sufficient lighting in runoff areas, robust backup power systems and conditions suitable for international television coverage.
Singapore provides a useful comparison. Its street circuit uses more than 1,600 floodlights installed specifically to satisfy Formula 1’s operational, safety and broadcast standards. Sepang’s permanent lighting system would consequently need to be assessed against requirements that go well beyond those of many other racing categories.
A sunset start could provide the most practical compromise
If the organisers intend to incorporate Sepang’s existing lighting, a transitional race beginning in daylight and ending beneath the floodlights could represent the most realistic solution. A late-afternoon start would deliver the visual spectacle of changing light conditions while potentially requiring fewer alterations than a Grand Prix held completely at night.
Even that approach would remain subject to FIA inspections, safety approval and detailed checks of the circuit’s lighting coverage. The eventual starting time would also need to account for Sepang’s weather conditions, television audiences and the operational demands created by the relocated event.
Preparations for the Malaysian weekend already extend far beyond its proposed timetable. Pirelli must complete an accelerated tyre selection and transport plan for Sepang, while local organisers are also seeking more affordable ticket options for Malaysian spectators.
For now, the key question remains unresolved: the current timetable strongly suggests that qualifying and the race will take place after sunset, but Formula 1 has not yet confirmed whether Sepang’s 2026 return will officially become a night Grand Prix. Whether the published schedule proves final or is subsequently adjusted, it has already created an intriguing new talking point around one of the season’s most unusual events.
Pirelli reveals urgent tyre plan for Bahrain GP move to Sepang
Pirelli will rely heavily on data from Formula 1’s last visit to Sepang as it prepares tyres for the relocated 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The event, scheduled for 2–4 October, gives the Italian manufacturer just over two months to select the compounds, complete production and transport the required tyres to the circuit.
Sepang’s official return resolves one of the major questions surrounding the second half of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, but it also creates a demanding logistical timetable for Pirelli. The Malaysian venue has not hosted a World Championship race since 2017, meaning its most recent track information is now nine years old.
Pirelli will use 2017 data for the Bahrain GP at Sepang
Speaking during the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, before the Sepang decision became official, Pirelli Motorsport Director Dario Marrafuschi outlined how the company would approach a possible Malaysian event.
Marrafuschi acknowledged that Pirelli had not begun its preparations at that stage because it had yet to receive official confirmation. Nevertheless, the manufacturer had already identified the information that would form the basis of its compound selection.
Pirelli competed at Sepang in every Formula 1 season from 2011 until the circuit’s most recent Grand Prix in 2017, leaving the company with a substantial historical database. Marrafuschi indicated that the 2017 event would be the most relevant reference because it was the first season with wider tyres and featured a relationship between car performance and tyre characteristics that was relatively similar to the current situation.
Consequently, Pirelli would prioritise the 2017 figures rather than relying on information gathered in 2016 or during earlier visits to Malaysia.
Sepang asphalt cannot be inspected before production begins
The condition of the track surface represents another important consideration. Formula 1 has been absent from Sepang for almost a decade, but the compressed preparation window leaves Pirelli without enough time to conduct new asphalt measurements before manufacturing must begin.
Marrafuschi explained that, had Malaysia been selected, he did not believe the company would have been able to send specialists to inspect the circuit. Pirelli instead needed to prepare the materials immediately to meet the event’s production deadline.
That limitation makes the historical data particularly valuable. The manufacturer must select an appropriate compound range while accounting for the demands of Sepang without the benefit of a recent on-site assessment of the asphalt.
Late confirmation rules out shipping tyres by sea
Transporting the tyres presents a further complication. With the announcement arriving only slightly more than two months before the Grand Prix, Pirelli no longer has sufficient time to use its normal sea-freight process for an overseas event. Marrafuschi confirmed that the complete tyre allocation would therefore have to be flown to Malaysia.
The amount of notice Pirelli requires varies significantly depending on where a race is held. Marrafuschi explained that a European Grand Prix needs a minimum lead time of approximately seven weeks, while more complicated overseas events can require as many as 15 weeks.
Those deadlines reflect far more than transportation alone. Pirelli must source and prepare the raw materials, manufacture every tyre, carry out the necessary quality-control procedures and organise delivery to the circuit. According to Marrafuschi, seven weeks represents the absolute minimum because those technical and production stages cannot be compressed indefinitely.
Pirelli had already communicated its requirements to Formula 1 and the FIA while preparing several possible responses to a late calendar change. The contingency work was intended to ensure that the company could react as quickly as possible once a replacement venue was formally selected.
Pirelli also assessed a possible December race at Imola
During the same media conference, Marrafuschi was asked how Pirelli would respond if Formula 1 needed to hold a December race at Imola, an option recently raised as a potential alternative for the season finale.
The Pirelli director indicated that the company could use information collected during testing in Barcelona because the conditions would present a broadly comparable challenge. Although such a scenario would not be ideal, he maintained that it would not create a tyre-safety concern. Snow was the only condition for which Pirelli would not be prepared.
Sepang’s confirmation has now provided clarity over one part of the revised schedule. However, uncertainty remains over whether the closing rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will take place as planned or whether Formula 1 will need to activate further contingency arrangements.
F1 superclipping fears grow ahead of Sepang’s 2026 return
Formula 1’s return to Sepang could provide one of the most severe tests yet for the 2026 power units, with the Malaysian circuit’s two exceptionally long straights threatening to bring the controversial superclipping phenomenon back into focus. Although recent FIA changes have reduced the problem, Sepang’s high average speed and limited braking opportunities could force drivers to sacrifice performance in places where they would normally remain at full throttle.
Formula 1 will return to a circuit much loved by fans in November. The event at Sepang, which will not officially be called the Malaysian Grand Prix, has been added as a replacement for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was cancelled in March this year.
A replacement has still not been confirmed for the Jeddah race. The latest rumours identify Imola as a possible candidate, although no official announcement has been made. According to paddock speculation, Portimão would be the most plausible destination if a replacement for Saudi Arabia is also added, given that an agreement has already been reached for 2027.
Sepang’s F1 return could expose the superclipping problem
Formula 1 last raced at Sepang in 2017, the final season before the Halo safety device was introduced. The circuit is popular with both fans and drivers because its numerous heavy braking zones and two extremely long straights create plenty of overtaking opportunities.
Whether in Formula 1 or MotoGP, the demanding layout has traditionally produced entertaining races. However, the characteristics of the 2026 cars risk tempering some of the excitement surrounding Formula 1’s return to the historic Malaysian venue.
Why energy recovery is a major challenge for the 2026 cars
Energy management has been a concern since the roughly 50-50 split between combustion and electric power was first proposed for the 2026 power units. As seen at several races this year, superclipping has become necessary to recharge electrical energy, with different recovery limits applying in qualifying and race conditions.
Superclipping occurs when a car loses speed despite the driver remaining on full throttle because power is being managed or diverted to replenish electrical energy. The effect became especially visible through Suzuka’s famous 130R corner, raising concerns about how the new generation of cars behaves through high-speed sections.
Monza represents one of the biggest remaining questions of the season. With its exceptionally high average speed and several corners taken at considerable velocity, energy recovery may have to occur on the straights or through sections where drivers would ordinarily remain flat out. That risks compromising one of the defining characteristics of Formula 1: watching drivers extract maximum performance from the cars.
Could Sepang become an even greater test than Monza?
Sepang could effectively become a second Monza—or potentially an even more difficult case. The Malaysian circuit combines a very high average speed with two consecutive, seemingly endless straights separated only by a large hairpin.
The FIA changed its energy-recovery regulations after the opening races of the season, and the amount of superclipping has genuinely decreased since those adjustments. However, both Monza and Sepang could cause some of the earlier problems to reappear. The FIA’s efforts to reduce excessive superclipping will therefore face a particularly demanding examination at these high-speed venues.
Much of the excitement surrounding Sepang’s return could be diminished if the cars are seen slowing along the straights or through corners that would normally be taken at more than 200 km/h.
What can Formula 1 do about superclipping at Sepang?
It would be difficult, if not impossible, to solve a problem that has not yet officially occurred at these circuits with the current cars. Superclipping is expected to be particularly powerful and frequent in both Italy and Malaysia, potentially affecting the spectacle and the traditional purity of the racing. However, those predictions could still prove wrong.
Team engineers have already demonstrated this year that some of the most significant problems associated with the new power units can be addressed with the right adjustments. The entertaining overtaking seen recently provides one example of the progress that has been made.
For now, there is little value in assuming that unprecedented energy-recovery phases will inevitably dominate these races. The hope is that the teams and their engineers can identify further remedies before Formula 1 reaches its fastest circuits.
Monza will be a crucial event for understanding the direction of the problem. The behaviour of the power units at the Italian circuit should offer an early indication of what to expect at Baku and Sepang, where energy recovery could potentially overshadow every other performance factor during two key rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Sepang wants cheaper F1 tickets for Malaysians but Bahrain has the final say
Bahrain will have the final say on ticket prices and retain all ticketing revenue from the one-off 2026 Formula 1 race at Sepang, according to Sepang International Circuit chief executive Azhan Shafriman Hanif. SIC is attempting to negotiate a more affordable rate for Malaysian spectators, but it cannot determine the prices independently.
The commercial arrangement forms part of the agreement bringing Formula 1 back to the Sepang International Circuit for the event scheduled from 2 to 4 October. Although Bahrain is covering the hosting rights fee, the two parties will share the substantial operational costs required to prepare and stage the Grand Prix.
Bahrain to decide Sepang F1 ticket prices
Speaking during a media session at Sepang on 28 July, Azhan Shafriman Hanif explained that SIC lacked complete authority over ticketing because the full revenue would be returned to Bahrain. The circuit is nevertheless pushing for a special price aimed specifically at Malaysian supporters.
Azhan Shafriman Hanif suggested that this could potentially take the form of a MyKad ticket rate, although no such discount has yet been confirmed. He emphasised that Bahrain would make the final decision because it is responsible for paying Formula 1’s hosting rights fee.
The arrangement means Malaysian fans must wait for Bahrain’s approval before the complete ticket structure can be finalised. Any preferential local price therefore remains the subject of negotiations rather than a confirmed part of the event.
Sepang F1 operating costs estimated at RM40 million
While Bahrain is funding the rights fee, it will not carry every expense associated with holding the race. SIC and Bahrain are expected to share the costs of preparing the circuit, installing the necessary event infrastructure and staging the Grand Prix weekend.
Azhan Shafriman Hanif placed those operational costs at approximately RM40 million, equivalent to around S$12.7 million. That figure does not include the separate fee required to secure a place on the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.
The hosting rights alone are estimated at between US$70 million and US$80 million, with the lower end of that range equivalent to approximately S$90.5 million. Once the rights payment and operational expenditure are combined, the overall cost of delivering the event could exceed RM300 million.
Malaysia could receive more than RM1 billion in economic benefits
Despite the scale of the financial commitment, the Sepang chief believes the cost must be considered alongside the broader economic impact generated by Formula 1. Previous host-country reports have indicated that a Grand Prix can produce returns worth more than three times the money invested.
On that basis, Azhan Shafriman Hanif estimated that Malaysia could receive an economic impact exceeding RM1 billion. The benefits would be expected to extend beyond the circuit through tourism, accommodation, transport, sponsorship, festivals and other commercial activity connected to the race weekend.
Interest has already increased since the race was announced. SIC has received enquiries concerning sponsorship opportunities, festivals and related business activities, creating what Azhan Shafriman Hanif described as a welcome challenge for the organisers.
He expects the commercial impact to be substantially greater than during Malaysia’s previous period on the Formula 1 calendar. Under Liberty Media, the championship has expanded its international audience and created much stronger demand among spectators seeking to experience races in person.
Sepang avoids resurfacing ahead of October race
Formula 1 representatives have completed an initial inspection of the Sepang International Circuit and found no major obstacles that would prevent the venue from hosting the race. The track surface will not need to be replaced, reducing the amount of major work required during the limited preparation period.
Several upgrades will still be completed before the event, including work on the run-off areas and other parts of the circuit’s infrastructure. With only around two months available before the Formula 1 weekend, preparations are continuing around the clock to ensure that Sepang meets every requirement.
Long-term Formula 1 return remains uncertain
SIC is concentrating on delivering the one-off event before pursuing a permanent place on the calendar. Azhan Shafriman Hanif indicated that a successful Grand Prix could build confidence among the relevant stakeholders and potentially reopen the discussion about a longer-term Formula 1 return to Malaysia.
However, any future bid would depend on two important conditions: the Malaysian government would need to be prepared to finance the hosting rights, and Formula 1 would need to have an available calendar slot. Neither condition is currently guaranteed.
For now, SIC’s priority is to complete the required upgrades, secure the best possible ticketing arrangement for Malaysian fans and stage the October event successfully. If the race delivers the projected tourism and economic benefits, it could provide Malaysia with a stronger case for restoring Sepang as a regular Formula 1 destination.
Official: Formula 1 announces 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang in Malaysia
Formula 1 has announced that the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia from 2–4 October. The arrangement brings Malaysia back onto the Formula 1 calendar after a nine-year absence while restoring the season to 23 races.
The event will officially be called the “Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia”. Sepang will replace Bahrain’s Sakhir circuit following the continuation of the conflict between the United States and Iran, which has left the Middle East facing prolonged uncertainty.
2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia brings Sepang back to F1
Bahrain is therefore out as a venue, with Sakhir unable to host the race, while Malaysia returns with a circuit that has frequently produced memorable Grands Prix but has been absent from the Formula 1 World Championship for too long.
The possibility had been gathering momentum for several days, particularly after Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the local government would reveal its decision on a return to Formula 1 for the 2026 season.
Formula 1 and the Malaysian government have now made their announcement. As previously suggested when Sepang’s potential 2026 Formula 1 return first emerged, Malaysia will rejoin the calendar nine years after its last Grand Prix. However, the event will retain Bahrain’s identity and run under the official name “Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia”.
Middle East conflict forced changes to the 2026 F1 calendar
Malaysia’s return is primarily linked to the geopolitical situation affecting the Middle East. At the beginning of the season, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were cancelled because of the continuing conflict between the United States and Iran.
As a result, Formula 1 held no Grand Prix during April. Uncertainty dominated that period and several questions also remain over the final two rounds of the World Championship: the Qatar Grand Prix, scheduled for 27–29 November, and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, planned for 4–6 December.
Formula 1 has already examined possible alternatives should Qatar or Abu Dhabi become unavailable. The championship has no intention of losing another two events, with significant revenue, sponsorship commitments and commercial rights at stake.
The 2026 Formula 1 calendar had initially fallen to 22 races. The Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, announced today, increases that number to 23.
Why the race will retain the Bahrain Grand Prix name
Malaysia and the Sepang International Circuit have agreed to host the race while retaining the Bahrain Grand Prix name, allowing Bahrain to preserve its position on the Formula 1 calendar.
Despite the short notice, Bahrain will cover a large proportion of the costs associated with organising the event. Both parties agreed on the name “Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia” to reflect the fact that this remains an edition of the Bahrain Grand Prix, even though it will exceptionally be held at another venue because of the situation in the Middle East.
Formula 1 explained the arrangement in an official statement released early this afternoon:
“The event, subject to the completion of final agreements and official approvals, including approval from the World Motor Sport Council, will be known as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. This solution demonstrates the sport’s ability to adapt quickly and find a solution that allows our fans, partners and the entire Formula 1 ecosystem to continue benefiting from a rich and exciting 2026 calendar.”
The statement continued: “The agreement, reached between Formula 1, the FIA, the Government of Bahrain and the Government of Malaysia, allows Formula 1 to preserve a Grand Prix that otherwise could not have taken place. Thanks to this solution, the 2026 season will continue to feature 23 races. The rest of the calendar remains unchanged.”
Stefano Domenicali welcomes Formula 1’s Sepang return
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali welcomed the announcement that the Bahrain Grand Prix will take place at Sepang in Malaysia.
“We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026. Once again, this sport has demonstrated its ability to adapt, find solutions and honour its commitments, creating an exciting moment for everyone who follows Formula 1,” Stefano Domenicali said.
“I would like to express our sincerest 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 timely determination. Naturally, I would also like to thank FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his collaboration and support throughout the process.”
Stefano Domenicali had previously confirmed that Formula 1 was preparing a contingency plan amid uncertainty surrounding the remaining Middle Eastern races. Malaysia’s return now provides the championship with a historic venue capable of staging an event at short notice.
“Above all, this is fantastic news for our fans. They will be able to continue enjoying a complete and exciting Formula 1 calendar while also witnessing the championship’s return to a historic circuit,” Stefano Domenicali added.
“Malaysia is an extraordinary country and Sepang holds a special place in Formula 1 history. It will provide a spectacular setting for the racing and offer an unforgettable experience both for spectators at the circuit and for those following the event from around the world.”
F1 calendar update: Bahrain off the table as fears grow for Qatar and Abu Dhabi
The 2026 Formula 1 calendar has become even more complicated. The renewed hostilities between Iran and the United States have made it impossible to identify a suitable window to complete this season’s schedule.
The championship was originally set to feature 24 Grands Prix, but following the outbreak of the Gulf conflict involving the United States and Israel on January 28, both the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix were removed from the calendar.
Formula 1 had planned to officially announce the return of the Bahrain Grand Prix next weekend, with the race expected to be held between the Singapore Grand Prix and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. However, overnight the United States intensified its air raids against Iran “to weaken its ability to attack ships in the Strait.” Tehran responded by striking American military bases in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait, forcing Formula 1 to once again remove the Sakhir round from the schedule.
Behind the scenes, intensive work is now underway to reshape the calendar in light of the rapidly evolving military situation. Over the past few days, every possible alternative has been discussed to fill the gap left by the Bahrain Grand Prix.
It is fair to ask why Turkey is no longer being mentioned, despite previously offering to serve as the first reserve venue. The reality is that the Intercity Istanbul Park circuit requires a series of upgrade works, including changes to the kerbs and track safety barriers. Those improvements could only be carried out with direct government support from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Although the teams are reluctant to hold two Grands Prix at the same venue, it is no secret that both the competitors and Liberty Media need a calendar featuring at least 22 races. Falling below that number could expose the teams to penalties linked to sponsorship agreements, while Formula 1’s commercial rights holder must also meet contractual obligations with television broadcasters that purchased media rights based on a minimum number of Grands Prix.
The current geopolitical instability is also raising concerns about the final phase of the Formula 1 season. While there is still hope that a genuine peace agreement can be reached before then, both the Qatar Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remain on the calendar despite increasing uncertainty surrounding their scheduled dates of November 29 and December 6.
There has also been speculation about bringing Portimão back onto the schedule, although the Portuguese circuit would also require some upgrades, while Imola has likewise been mentioned as a possible replacement. At the moment, however, neither European venue appears to be a realistic solution.
After the Madring Grand Prix, Formula 1 leaves Europe, and teams traditionally use that period to transport their race trucks back to base, overhaul or upgrade their hospitality units, and carry out maintenance work on their engineering race bases. Reintroducing one or even two European races at that stage of the season would therefore create significant logistical challenges.
A deadline will eventually have to be set for deciding how the championship will conclude. Within the paddock, the expectation is that a final decision will be made no later than the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, which marks Formula 1’s return following the summer break.
The uncertainty is not affecting only Formula 1. The junior support categories, including Formula 2 and Formula 3, are also facing major scheduling difficulties as they depend heavily on the F1 calendar.
In short, the situation remains extremely complex and far from settled. The coming days are expected to be crucial as Formula 1 works to find the first concrete answers regarding the remainder of the 2026 season.
Will Bahrain return to the 2026 Formula 1 calendar? Security concerns emerge
Formula 1 evaluates Bahrain Grand Prix return as geopolitical uncertainty grows
Formula 1 could once again expand its 2026 calendar with the reintroduction of the Bahrain Grand Prix, but growing instability in the Middle East has cast fresh uncertainty over those discussions. While paddock conversations during the British Grand Prix weekend suggested that both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia could regain their original positions in the championship schedule, recent international developments have highlighted how quickly those plans could change.
The proposal currently being discussed would see the Bahrain Grand Prix held at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and the Singapore Grand Prix. Such a move would improve the logistical flow of the Formula 1 calendar by creating a more efficient sequence of races across Asia and the Middle East, reducing travel demands for teams and freight operations.
Although the scheduling concept appears attractive from an operational perspective, Formula 1 has yet to make any official announcement, and external factors could ultimately determine whether the idea becomes reality.
Regional tensions raise fresh questions over Bahrain’s place on the calendar
Optimism surrounding Bahrain’s potential return has been overshadowed by a deterioration in the geopolitical situation across the Gulf region. According to recent reports, the United States carried out new military strikes against Iranian targets following incidents linked to the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump indicated that the previous truce had effectively ended, although he also suggested that he did not expect the conflict to develop into a prolonged military confrontation.
Iran subsequently warned that additional military action could lead to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes. Iranian officials also signalled the possibility of retaliatory measures targeting United States military installations in the region, including bases located in Bahrain and neighbouring Kuwait.
At present, there are no indications of any direct threat to the Bahrain Grand Prix or Formula 1 personnel. Nevertheless, such developments are likely to remain under close observation by both Formula 1 and the FIA as preparations for the 2026 season continue.
Formula 1 has shown flexibility when global events affect the calendar
In recent years, Formula 1 and Liberty Media have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to adapt the championship calendar whenever security concerns or geopolitical events require changes. Previous seasons have seen races postponed, relocated or cancelled entirely as the sport prioritised the safety of teams, drivers, officials and spectators.
For that reason, while Bahrain’s return remains a realistic possibility, it cannot yet be considered guaranteed. The proposed calendar adjustment is still under evaluation, and any escalation in regional tensions could influence the FIA’s final decision regarding the race schedule.
For now, Formula 1 continues to monitor the situation carefully. As discussions over the 2026 calendar progress, organisers will balance logistical efficiency with broader security considerations before confirming whether the Bahrain Grand Prix will officially reclaim its place in the World Championship.
F1 and FIA exploring Bahrain GP return with demanding triple-header
The Bahrain Grand Prix could make its way back onto the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, with Formula 1 and the FIA reportedly evaluating a new scheduling solution that would place the Sakhir event between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and the Singapore Grand Prix.
Bahrain return could create a demanding triple-header
According to information we have learned, Formula 1 and the FIA are working on a proposal to reinstate the Bahrain Grand Prix during the window between the races in Baku and Singapore.
If the plan is approved, the championship would feature a challenging triple-header consisting of Azerbaijan, Bahrain and Singapore. While such a sequence would place significant demands on teams, drivers and travelling personnel, it is currently viewed as the most efficient logistical solution for reintroducing the race without requiring major changes to the remainder of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.
However, Bahrain’s potential return depends entirely on one key condition: the full restoration of safe conditions across the region. Formula 1 and the FIA continue to closely monitor the geopolitical situation in the Middle East and will not make a final decision until there are absolute guarantees regarding the safety of teams, drivers, paddock staff and spectators.
There is cautious optimism within the Formula 1 paddock. Organisers remain eager to stage the Bahrain Grand Prix if circumstances allow, but they are equally determined not to compromise on safety under any circumstances.
Unless the international situation changes significantly, the period between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and the Singapore Grand Prix currently appears to be the most realistic opportunity to bring Sakhir back onto the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, creating what would likely become one of the most demanding triple-headers of the entire season.
F1 British GP: Jenson Button explains why Lewis Hamilton can fight for victory at Silverstone
Jenson Button believes Lewis Hamilton heads into the British Grand Prix with genuine confidence, arguing that the seven-time Formula 1 world champion has once again outperformed Charles Leclerc and could even fight for victory at Silverstone.
The old Lewis Hamilton is back
Few would have predicted it a year ago, but Ferrari’s hopes currently appear to rest on the shoulders of Lewis Hamilton. Even during a difficult Austrian Grand Prix weekend for the Scuderia, the seven-time world champion managed to minimise the damage better than Charles Leclerc, despite the Monegasque driver starting ahead of him on the grid.
Using a three-stop strategy, Lewis Hamilton brought his Ferrari home in fifth place, while Charles Leclerc slipped back to eighth. Now Formula 1 heads to Silverstone, Hamilton’s home race and a circuit where he has already claimed an incredible nine Grand Prix victories.
According to his former McLaren team-mate Jenson Button, the Ferrari driver could once again be a major contender this weekend.
“Lewis will definitely arrive full of confidence,” the 2009 Formula 1 world champion told Sky Sports News. “The last race didn’t go the way he wanted, but it wasn’t his fault. If you compare him with his team-mate Charles Leclerc, who is very highly regarded, Lewis came out on top once again.
“He managed his tyres much better during the opening part of the race and had the pace when his team-mate didn’t. He won’t be happy with the final result, but he’ll know he extracted the maximum from the car. It’s the old Lewis we used to know. He’s maximising everything, and it’s really great to see him like that.”
The perfect setup for Silverstone
Button shared the McLaren garage with Lewis Hamilton between 2010 and 2012 and knows exactly what kind of car characteristics and setup suit the British driver best.
“The temperatures will be a little cooler and, from an aerodynamic point of view, Ferrari is actually quite strong,” Button explained. “Silverstone is primarily a power circuit, but you also have to maintain speed through the corners as well as on the straights. I think Lewis is confident that he has a chance to win.
“He’s exceptionally good at driving a car with a very front-end-focused setup,” the former British driver continued. “That’s exactly what you need at Silverstone. You have to carry speed through the high-speed sections while also being able to handle the rapid changes of direction. That’s a crucial part of the lap, and I think that’s where one of Lewis’ greatest strengths lies.
“Whenever I was up against him, he was always able to drive a car with a very aggressive front-end setup, and that’s the fastest way to drive around Silverstone.”
Jenson Button’s insights highlight how Lewis Hamilton’s clinical driving style and vast experience could trigger a massive breakthrough at the upcoming British Grand Prix. While Ferrari continues to grapple with mechanical and aerodynamic balance issues, the Briton’s innate ability to extract performance from a front-pointed setup provides a significant advantage at high-speed venues like Silverstone. Overcoming Maranello’s recent operational hurdles will be tough, but maximizing this technical sweet spot remains essential if Hamilton aims to outperform Charles Leclerc once again and deliver a dream home result for his legion of British fans.
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