The Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia is set to host the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, marking the first time since 2017 that the track will feature on the Formula 1® calendar. Scheduled for the first weekend of October 2026, this event represents a notable shift as the Bahrain Grand Prix moves away from its traditional venue at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir.
Sepang is a 5.543-kilometre circuit featuring 15 turns and a race distance of 310.398 kilometres over 56 laps. The track was designed by Hermann Tilke and opened in 1999, quickly becoming a staple in the Formula 1® championship. It has a rich history, including Malaysia’s inaugural Grand Prix win by Eddie Irvine driving for Ferrari. Sebastian Vettel holds the lap record at Sepang with a time of 1:34.080, set in 2017, while Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher share the record for most pole positions at the circuit, each securing five poles.
The circuit is known for its fast middle sector, challenging braking zones, and a blend of high-speed and technical corners that test both driver skill and car performance. Weather at Sepang is famously unpredictable, with high heat and humidity often interrupted by sudden tropical rain showers. This combination adds complexity to race strategy and car setup. Only ten of the current Formula 1® drivers have previously raced at Sepang, meaning many will face a learning curve when competing there in 2026.
The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang will also introduce new aerodynamic regulations, including the Straight Mode and Overtake Mode systems. Straight Mode reduces drag on the straights to increase top speed, while Overtake Mode replaces the traditional DRS with a new power boost system aimed at enhancing overtaking opportunities. Sepang will feature four Straight Mode zones and one Overtake Mode detection point, adding a fresh strategic element to the race.
Historically, Sepang has seen memorable moments such as Fernando Alonso’s wet-weather victory in 2012, where he started from eighth on the grid to claim a win for Ferrari. The circuit’s return to the calendar as the host of the Bahrain Grand Prix is a rare example of a Grand Prix being held outside its usual country, a practice seen before with events like the San Marino Grand Prix in Italy.
Former Formula 1® driver Jolyon Palmer has provided insights into the track’s driving characteristics, highlighting its demanding nature and the importance of managing the variable weather conditions. The 2026 race will be the 22nd edition of the Bahrain Grand Prix but the first to take place outside Bahrain’s traditional venue, marking a unique chapter in the event’s history.
This shift to Sepang offers all teams and drivers a fresh challenge as they adapt to the circuit’s layout and conditions under the updated regulations. The event’s placement in early October situates it in a part of the season where teams will be well into their development cycles, making the race an interesting test of adaptability and performance under new circumstances.