Malaysia to host Bahrain Grand Prix in October as Formula 1 returns to iconic circuit after nine-year absence
Formula 1 will return to Malaysia this year after Sepang International Circuit was confirmed as the host venue for the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix from Oct 2-4.
The announcement ends months of speculation over Malaysia’s possible return to the F1 calendar after Bahrain’s race was disrupted by ongoing regional security concerns.
Sepang’s comeback will see the circuit stage a Formula 1 race for the first time since 2017, although the event will officially retain its Bahrain Grand Prix title.
The race will take place between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and the Singapore Grand Prix, with the rest of the 2026 calendar remaining unchanged.
The agreement between Formula 1, the FIA, the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia, and the relevant stakeholders allows the Bahrain round to be preserved while providing fans with another opportunity to experience racing at one of Formula 1’s most recognised venues.
The event remains subject to final agreements and official sign-off, including approval from the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
Sepang made its Formula 1 debut in 1999 and quickly became one of the sport’s most popular venues, known for its challenging layout, tropical weather conditions and passionate supporters.
The circuit also produced memorable moments, with Max Verstappen becoming the last driver to win a Malaysian Grand Prix in 2017 before the race was removed from the calendar due to rising hosting costs.
Formula 1 president and chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali welcomed Malaysia’s return, describing it as another example of the sport’s ability to adapt and find solutions.
“We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026,” he said.
“Once again, the sport has demonstrated its ability to adapt, find solutions, and deliver, creating an exciting moment for everyone who follows Formula 1.”
Domenicali thanked the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia, as well as FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, for their cooperation in making the agreement possible.
He said Sepang remained a special venue in Formula 1 history and would provide “a spectacular setting for racing” for fans at the circuit and around the world.
Ben Sulayem said the return of Formula 1 to Sepang reflected the strong relationship between the FIA, Formula One Management, the Malaysian government and the Motorsports Association of Malaysia.
“Malaysia has long held an important place in the history of Formula 1 and the return of the Championship to Sepang is testament to our close relationship,” he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia was honoured to support Bahrain, Formula 1 and the FIA in hosting the race.
“This collaboration is more than the staging of a world-class sporting event. It reflects the enduring friendship, mutual trust and close partnership between Malaysia and the Kingdom of Bahrain,” he said.
Anwar added that the event would showcase Malaysia’s ability to host major international events while welcoming Formula 1 teams and fans from around the world.
The return is expected to provide a major boost for Malaysian motorsport and tourism, with ticketing details to be announced soon.
For Malaysian fans, the confirmation marks the revival of a race that helped put the country on the global sporting map and brings Formula 1 back to Sepang after nearly a decade.
