Sepang Worldwide Circuit, in Malaysia, will return to the F1 calendar to host the postponed Bahrain Grand Prix on October 2-4, 2026.
Malaysia will make a shock return to the Method 1 calendar in 2026, with Sepang Worldwide Circuit stepping in to host the beforehand referred to as off Bahrain Grand Prix. The race weekend will happen on October 2-4, 2026, forming a triple header of occasions between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix.
Introduced simply forward of the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday, the race in Malaysia shall be often known as the “Method 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia” and is topic to closing agreements and official sign-off.
A fan favorite circuit, Sepang Worldwide Circuit, close to Kuala Lumpur, final hosted Method 1 in 2017 when the Malaysian Grand Prix was final staged. F1 visited Malaysia in each season from Sepang’s debut in 1999 by means of to 2017. The race fell off the calendar after a continued decline in ticket gross sales following the addition of the close by Singapore Grand Prix to the calendar in 2008.
Ferrari maintain the file for essentially the most victories at Sepang Worldwide Circuit, with seven, whereas Sebastian Vettel took extra wins than anybody else within the circuit’s first stint on the schedule. The 4-time World Champion secured 4 Malaysian Grand Prix victories, together with his controversial “Multi 21” win right here in 2013.
Method 1 says that info relating to the discharge of tickets for the occasion shall be introduced quickly.
Malaysia Will Host the Bahrain Grand Prix
The Method 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia has come about as a part of an settlement reached between F1, the FIA, the Authorities of Malaysia and the Authorities of Bahrain. The Bahrain Grand Prix was initially scheduled to happen in April, however was referred to as off together with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix following the beginning of the US-Iran conflict within the Center East.
Talking concerning the one-off deal, Method 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali mentioned:
“We’re delighted to verify that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026. As soon as once more, the game has demonstrated its capability to adapt, discover options, and ship, creating an thrilling second for everybody who follows Method 1.
I wish to specific our honest due to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, in addition to their respective governments for making this extraordinary consequence attainable by means of their imaginative and prescient, dedication, and decisive motion. After all, I might additionally wish to thank FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his partnership and collaboration all through the method.
Most significantly, that is implausible information for our followers. They’ll proceed to get pleasure from a full and thrilling Method 1 calendar, whereas additionally seeing the game return to a terrific venue. Malaysia is an unbelievable nation, and Sepang holds a particular place in Method 1 historical past. It can present a spectacular setting for racing and an unforgettable expertise for followers on the circuit and watching all over the world.”
Doubts Over F1’s Closing 2026 Rounds
In its press launch, Method 1 says that the “remainder of the schedule for 2026 stays unchanged”, although doubts stay over the viability of the ultimate two races of the season – in Qatar and Abu Dhabi – having the ability to happen. The continued conflict signifies that the scenario is unsure, and can be believed to have induced delays to the announcement of the 2027 Method 1 calendar, which was beforehand anticipated to start in Bahrain subsequent March.
With the addition of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, the 2026 calendar at present sits at 23 rounds – although it may but fall to 21 if the ultimate two races of the yr are referred to as off. It’s thought that F1 is eager to carry at the least 21 rounds this yr, as a way to fulfil all of its contractual clauses with groups and broadcasters.
Reasonably than the season ending with the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November, it’s believed that one other spherical shall be added because the season finale in early December. Imola, in Italy, is the frontrunner to be added to the calendar, although occasions in Barcelona, Istanbul and Portugal have additionally been mooted as potentialities.
Header picture: Leminhel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
