Malaysia is set to host the 2026 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit, marking a notable change in the Formula 1® calendar. The event is scheduled to take place from October 2 to 4, 2026, positioned between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix.
This announcement comes following confirmation from Formula 1® and the FIA, with the race being part of the official 2026 season calendar. All teams and drivers competing in the 2026 championship are expected to participate in the event, which represents a relocation of the Bahrain Grand Prix rather than an additional race.
The decision to hold the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia was reached through collaboration between Formula 1®, the FIA, and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia. The arrangement helps preserve a Grand Prix that might otherwise not have taken place in the 2026 season. Sepang International Circuit is well-known for its challenging layout, enthusiastic fans, and unpredictable weather conditions, offering a distinctive racing environment.
Key figures in the motorsport and political world have expressed support for this event. Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1® President and CEO, along with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, have all highlighted the significance of this collaboration. Their statements underline the shared commitment to maintaining the Grand Prix on the calendar and the positive impact of hosting it at Sepang.
The Sepang International Circuit holds a respected place in Formula 1® history, having hosted races that featured competitive and unpredictable racing. The last driver to win at Sepang was Max Verstappen in 2017. While the 2026 event will carry the Bahrain Grand Prix title, the change of venue reflects ongoing efforts to adapt the calendar and maintain a full race schedule.
Final contractual details and official approval from the World Motor Sport Council are still pending, and further information regarding ticket sales and event logistics is expected to be announced in due course. Fans and teams alike will be watching how this relocation shapes the 2026 season.
This development emphasizes the dynamic nature of the Formula 1® calendar and the importance of international cooperation in sustaining the sport’s global presence. The 2026 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang promises to be a noteworthy chapter in the championship’s ongoing evolution.
