JULY 27, 2026

Malaysia to host 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix

Malaysia will stage the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit after Formula 1 and the FIA agreed to relocate the event amid regional challenges.

The race will take place from October 2-4, occupying its existing position between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix. The remainder of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar will remain unchanged.

The unusual arrangement means the event will officially be known as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. It remains subject to final agreements and official approval from the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council.

Formula 1 said the agreement between the sport, the FIA and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia would preserve a Grand Prix that otherwise could not have taken place. Safety and the wellbeing of teams, officials, volunteers and supporters were central considerations during the discussions.

The decision also brings Formula 1 back to one of its best-known former venues. Sepang hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 until 2017 and earned a reputation for demanding high-speed corners, wide racing lines and rapidly changing tropical weather.

Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa said the solution reflected his country’s longstanding commitment to Formula 1, which began when Bahrain staged the Middle East’s first world championship Grand Prix in 2004.

“Amid ongoing regional challenges, Bahrain is proud to stand as a pillar of stability for Formula 1,” he said, thanking both circuits, the championship, the FIA and the competing teams for helping arrange the event.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said his country was honoured to support Bahrain, Formula 1 and the FIA. He added that Malaysia was ready to welcome the championship back to Sepang and showcase its infrastructure, organizational capabilities and hospitality.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised the international cooperation behind the move and said Sepang’s return demonstrated Malaysia’s important place in Formula 1 history.

Formula 1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali described the agreement as an example of the championship’s ability to adapt quickly while preserving a full calendar.

“This is fantastic news for our fans,” Domenicali said. “Malaysia is an incredible country, and Sepang holds a special place in Formula 1 history.