SEPANG, MALAYSIA July 27. 2026 – Formula 1 and the FIA have confirmed that the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia will stage the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix from October 2-4, 2026.
The race will take place between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix. The arrangement, subject to final agreements and World Motor Sport Council approval, stems from an agreement involving Formula 1, the FIA, the Government of Bahrain and the Government of Malaysia. It preserves a Grand Prix slot that would otherwise not have gone ahead, while leaving the rest of the 2026 calendar unchanged.
Sepang, which first hosted Formula 1 in 1999, is regarded as one of the championship’s most iconic and demanding tracks, noted for passionate crowds, close racing and changeable tropical weather. The last Formula 1 race held there was in 2017, when Max Verstappen took the win. Ticket information is expected to be released soon.
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said the deal shows the sport’s capacity to adapt and deliver solutions. He thanked King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Sultan Ibrahim of Malaysia and their governments, as well as FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, for making the outcome possible. Domenicali described the return to Sepang as “fantastic news for our fans” and highlighted Malaysia’s special place in Formula 1 history.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised the collaboration and stressed that safety and wellbeing of teams, officials, staff and fans remained the top priority throughout discussions. He noted Malaysia’s long-standing role in the championship and the strong relationship with the Motorsports Association of Malaysia.
Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa said the decision, made with the blessings of both monarchs and building on close ties between the two countries, reflects Bahrain’s continuing commitment to Formula 1 amid regional challenges. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed appreciation for Bahrain’s trust and said the collaboration reaffirms the friendship between the nations while showcasing Malaysia’s ability to host major international events.
The move returns Formula 1 to a historic Asian venue after an absence of nearly a decade and ensures fans retain a full calendar of races in 2026.
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