Formula 1 and the FIA have officially confirmed that the Bahrain Grand Prix will feature on the 2026 racing calendar once more — though not at its traditional home in the Gulf kingdom.
Instead, the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will take place at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit, with the event scheduled for 2-4 October. Bahrain is funding the relocated race.
The announcement marks a remarkable return for Sepang, which last appeared on the F1 schedule in 2017. The circuit will slot into the autumn portion of the season, sitting between the Azerbaijan and Singapore rounds.
The agreement has been reached between F1, the FIA, and the governments of both Bahrain and Malaysia, though formal ratification is still pending.
The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will take place at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit, with the event scheduled for 2-4 October
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Both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races were removed from the 2026 calendar back in April as a consequence of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The cancellations reduced the season to 22 events, and F1 has since been working to find replacement venues.
Sepang hosted grands prix annually from 1999 to 2017, becoming a firm favourite among drivers and teams alike. Max Verstappen claimed his second career victory there in the circuit’s final F1 outing, finishing ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
Despite its popularity within the paddock, escalating hosting fees and falling ticket sales ultimately made the event financially unviable.
Organisers confirmed ahead of the 2017 race that it would be Malaysia’s last, bringing nearly two decades of F1 action at the venue to a close.
The Bahrain Grand Prix will feature on the 2026 racing calendar once more — though not at its traditional home in the Gulf kingdom
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F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed his enthusiasm about the arrangement.
“We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026. Once again, the sport has demonstrated its ability to adapt, find solutions, and deliver, creating an exciting moment for everyone who follows Formula 1,” he said.
Domenicali offered his gratitude to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain, as well as Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim, for their roles in making the deal happen. He also thanked FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his collaboration.
“Malaysia is an incredible country, and Sepang holds a special place in Formula 1 history,” Domenicali added.
“It will provide a spectacular setting for racing and an unforgettable experience for fans at the circuit and watching around the world.”
The deal remains subject to final agreements and official sign-off, including approval from the World Motor Sport Council.
The Bahrain and Saudi Grand Prixs were cancelled earlier this year after conflict broke out in the Middle East
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Should it go ahead, the Malaysian round will form part of a triple-header, with Azerbaijan racing on 24-26 September and Singapore following on 9-11 October.
The fate of the cancelled Saudi Arabian Grand Prix remains unclear, with no replacement yet announced.
There are also question marks over the season’s concluding races. The 2026 calendar currently finishes with events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, but reports suggest both Imola and Portugal’s Portimão circuit are being considered as potential alternatives for the finale should the Middle East situation prevent a trip to Abu Dhabi.
The confirmed return to Sepang would bring the season back up to 23 races.
