The Bahrain Grand Prix is set to take place in Malaysia for the first time in nearly a decade,as Formula One organizers confirmed event will occur at the Sepang International Circuit from October 2-4, 2026. This decision follows the cancellation of the race originally scheduled for April due to ongoing conflict in Middle East.
Formula 1 and FIA announced the new location in a statement,emphasizing the importance of maintaining a full racing calendar amid regional instability. The original schedule included 24 races, but the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were scrapped due to the escalating war in region. With recent resurgence of hostilities between Iran and the United States, prospects for holding races in those countries have dimmed.
Stefano Domenicali, the chief executive of Formula 1,had previously hinted at the possibility of a Gulf race on October 4,but the deteriorating situation has made that option unfeasible. Instead,the Sepang circuit, located near Kuala Lumpur International Airport, will host event,marking its return to the Formula 1 calendar since 2017. The race will be officially named the "Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia."
Since its opening in 1999, Sepang has been prominent venue in motorsport,also hosting MotoGP events . The decision to relocate the Bahrain Grand Prix to Malaysia comes with financial backing from Bahrain,which will cover significant portion of the costs associated with rescheduling the race.
This addition to the calendar restores the total number of races to 23,slotting in between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 26 and the Singapore Grand Prix on October 11 . Domenicali expressed enthusiasm about the development, stating,"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." He added that Malaysia is remarkable country with a rich history in Formula 1,promising a spectacular experience for fans both at the circuit and around the world.
Despite the positive news regarding the Bahrain Grand Prix, uncertainty looms over the final two races of the season, scheduled for Qatar and Abu Dhabi on November 29 and December 6, respectively . These events remain in jeopardy,and several alternatives are being considered. One option includes hosting two consecutive Grands Prix in Las Vegas at the end of November, while another possibility is to hold one or two final races in Europe, with Imola in Italy and Portimao in Portugal emerging as potential candidates.
No definitive decisions regarding the last two rounds in the Gulf are expected until late September or early October,as authorities monitor the evolving situation in region. The Formula 1 community remains hopeful for a resolution that allows the season to conclude as planned, but geopolitical landscape continues to pose challenges.
