Formula 1 and the FIA have announced that the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will be staged at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4, slotting into the calendar between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix.
The race, however, remains subject to the completion of final agreements and formal approval from the FIA World Motor Sport Council. Officially, the event will be known as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
The arrangement has been made possible through a joint agreement involving Formula 1, the FIA, and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia. It ensures the Bahrain Grand Prix retains its place on the 2026 calendar despite the original hosting plans being unable to go ahead, while leaving the remainder of the championship schedule unchanged.
Formula 1 said the move reflects Bahrain’s long-standing commitment to the championship, having become the first Middle Eastern nation to host a Formula 1 race in 2004, as well as Malaysia’s willingness to step in at short notice. The sport also described the agreement as an example of its ability to adapt quickly and maintain a full race calendar for fans, teams and commercial partners.
“This is fantastic news for our fans. They will continue to enjoy a full and exciting Formula 1 calendar, while also seeing the sport return to a great venue. Malaysia is an incredible country, and Sepang holds a special place in Formula 1 history. It will provide a spectacular setting for racing and an unforgettable experience for fans at the circuit and watching around the world,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
FANS LEFT STUNNED
The fans, however, were a little surprised and shocked to see the call made to bring the race back to Sepang and call it the Bahrain Grand Prix. Some of them took to social media to call it a stupid decision, while some had a bit of fun as well.
The return of Sepang is expected to excite Formula 1 followers worldwide. Renowned for its demanding layout, unpredictable tropical conditions and enthusiastic crowds, the Malaysian circuit has built a reputation as one of the championship’s most memorable venues and is expected to provide another entertaining weekend of racing.
This is not the first time in F1 that one country has hosted a race with the name of another. Germany’s Nrburgring once hosted the Luxembourg Grand Prix, Imola served as the venue for the San Marino Grand Prix, while the Swiss Grand Prix was held across the border in France.
The Bahrain GP and Saudi Arabian GP was initially cancelled in April due to the Iran war and the situation in the middle east.
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