The category confirmed that the race, suspended at its original venue due to the conflict in the Middle East, will take place from October 2 to 4 at the historic Malaysian circuit of Sepang
Additionally, he emphasized the historical value of the chosen venue: "This is fantastic news for our fans. They will continue to enjoy a full and exciting Formula 1 calendar, while seeing the sport return to a great venue. Malaysia is an incredible country, and Sepang holds a special place in the history of Formula 1".
For his part, the president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, assured that throughout the process the priority was to preserve the safety of the teams and the public. He also highlighted that the return of the category to Sepang reflects the cooperation among the various stakeholders involved and the Malaysian government's commitment to motorsport.
The Sepang International Circuit hosted Formula 1 continuously from 1999 to 2017. Its departure from the calendar occurred due to the decline in spectator attendance and economic differences between local organizers and the then administration of the category. Since then, the track has continued to be one of the traditional venues for the World MotoGP Championship.
With this modification, Formula 1 will regain one of the most emblematic circuits of the modern era, while continuing to monitor the evolution of the conflict in the Middle East ahead of the final races of the championship, scheduled in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
After almost a decade of absence, one of the most emblematic circuits of Formula 1 will once again be part of the calendar. The category confirmed that Sepang will host the Bahrain Grand Prix 2026, a solution found after the impossibility of holding the race at its usual venue due to the conflict in the Middle East.
The event, officially named Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, will take place from October 2 to 4, between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix, and will allow for 23 of the 24 scheduled races to be maintained in the calendar. The relocation was agreed upon between the FIA, the Formula 1, and the authorities of both countries, although formal approval from the World Motor Sport Council is still pending.
The change occurred after the war in the region prevented the event from being organized in Bahrain on the scheduled date. While the Gulf country expressed its intention to keep its Grand Prix in the calendar, it was ultimately agreed to move it to Sepang, while Saudi Arabia is definitively out of the 2026 season.
The president and CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, highlighted the category's ability to find a solution: "We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026. Once again, the sport has shown its ability to adapt, find solutions, and deliver, creating an exciting moment for all who follow Formula 1".
