Formula 1 and the FIA have confirmed that the Sepang circuit in Malaysia will host the cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix, amid continuing tensions in the Middle East.
The popular circuit, which made its debut in 1999, was last on the calendar in 2017, with growing costs of hosting the event cited as a reason for its disappearance from the schedule.
Bahrain was scheduled to host the fourth round of the championship, but with geopolitical situations escalating a week after the country hosted pre-season testing, it, along with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, was cancelled.
The deal to see Sepang host the race in its stead was reached between its Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, along with the Formula One Management [FOM].
Known as the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, the race will take place over the weekend of October 2-4, between the Singapore and Azerbaijan Grands Prix, with the FIA confirming the remainder of the calendar “remains unchanged.”
In a statement, Ben Sulayem said: “I am incredibly proud of the collaboration that will enable Malaysia to host the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at the iconic Sepang International circuit later this year. Throughout this process, the FIA, Formula One Management, and our partners in Bahrain have worked tirelessly to explore every option, with the safety and wellbeing of the teams, volunteers, officials, our colleagues, and fans remaining our highest priority.
“Malaysia has long held an important place in the history of Formula One and the return of the Championship to Sepang is testament to our close relationship with the Motorsports Association of Malaysia, the continued commitment of the Malaysian Government, and the strength of international cooperation within our sport.
“My sincere thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain, for their vision and support in making this possible. We look forward to welcoming the global motorsport community back to Sepang.”
‘Decisive action’ of Malaysia praised by F1 CEO
F1’s CEO, Stefano Domenicali, praised the quick action from Malaysia and Bahrain’s premiers to ensure the race will take place, offering the championship leeway, having been forced to cancel two races from its 24-date calendar.
“We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026,” he said. “We have all shown once again that Formula 1 can adapt, find solutions and deliver results and give a great surprise to everyone following our sport.
“I would like to express our sincere thanks to Bahrain and Malaysia, notably His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the King and Prime Minister of Malaysia for their vision, passion and decisive action in making this exciting moment possible. I also want to thank the President of the FIA, His Excellency Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his partnership and collaboration. Most importantly, this is excellent news for our fans, who will continue to enjoy a packed calendar and the opportunity to see Formula 1 return to one of the sport’s most iconic circuits. Malaysia is an incredible country and Sepang has a rich history in Formula 1 and will provide a fantastic spectacle for fans both at the track and watching around the world.”
Questions still remain over the final two races of the calendar, in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, due to the Middle East crisis, with a number of circuits rumoured to be on standby to replace either or both in the eventuality of another cancellation.
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