Malaysia to host rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix in October 2026

Malaysia steps in for Bahrain

Formula 1 and the FIA have confirmed that Malaysia will host the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix in October 2026. The original race was called off earlier this year.

The decision brings Formula 1 back to the Sepang International Circuit for the first time since 2017. Malaysia had previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017 before it was dropped from the calendar.

Officials have not yet disclosed the exact date of the race in October. The move is seen as a temporary solution to fill the gap left by Bahrain's cancellation.

Why Bahrain was called off

The Bahrain Grand Prix was originally scheduled for March 2026 but was postponed due to ongoing political unrest in the region. Race organisers and governing bodies deemed the situation unsafe for teams, drivers and spectators.

Bahrain has been a regular fixture on the F1 calendar since 2004, with only the 2011 edition cancelled due to similar protests. The 2026 race is the second time the event has been scrapped entirely.

Sources told ESPN and BBC that talks between F1, the FIA and Malaysian authorities accelerated in recent weeks. The Sepang circuit, which underwent upgrades in 2023, was deemed ready to host at short notice.

Return to Sepang

Sepang International Circuit, located near Kuala Lumpur, is known for its wide straights and sweeping corners. The track has a capacity of over 100,000 and has hosted some memorable races, including wet-weather battles and surprise winners.

F1's last race in Malaysia was won by Max Verstappen in 2017. Since then, the sport has expanded to new markets in the Middle East, Asia and the Americas.

Local tourism and sports officials have welcomed the announcement. The race is expected to draw large crowds and boost Malaysia's profile as a motorsport destination.

What this means for the calendar

The 2026 F1 season now has 24 races, with Malaysia slotting in during October. The exact date will be confirmed in the coming weeks to avoid clashes with existing rounds in Japan, Singapore and the United States.

Teams will have to adjust logistics and supply chains. Most have already shipped equipment to Asia for the Singapore Grand Prix, making Malaysia a convenient addition.

Bahrain's return to the calendar for 2027 is not guaranteed. F1 and the FIA have said they will review the situation later this year.

What to watch: The FIA is expected to release the full October schedule within two weeks. Sepang's ticket sales and local government support will signal whether Malaysia could host a permanent race again in the future.