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.”
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