Formula 1 and the FIA have officially confirmed that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit from October 2-4, 2026. The move comes as the original 24-race calendar faced disruptions, with events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia cancelled due to the ongoing war. While F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali had previously explored the possibility of maintaining a race in the Gulf on October 4, the recent resumption of hostilities between Iran and the United States effectively eliminated that option.
Known as the "Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia," the event marks the return of the Sepang circuit to the F1 calendar for the first time since 2017. The venue, located near Kuala Lumpur's international airport, has hosted MotoGP races since 1999 and is expected to provide a significant setting for the sport. Formula 1 indicated that Bahrain will cover a substantial portion of the costs associated with the relocation of the race. The event is scheduled to slot between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 26 and the Singapore Grand Prix on October 11, bringing the championship total to 23 races.
Stefano Domenicali expressed enthusiasm for the move, stating, "This is fantastic news for our fans. They will continue to enjoy a full and exciting Formula 1 calendar, while also seeing the sport return to a great venue." He added that Malaysia is an incredible country and that Sepang holds a special place in the history of Formula 1, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees and global viewers.
Despite this update, uncertainty remains regarding the final two rounds of the season, which are currently scheduled for Qatar and Abu Dhabi on November 29 and December 6. Should those races be cancelled, alternatives are being considered, including potential back-to-back Grands Prix in Las Vegas or a return to European circuits such as Imola in Italy or Portimao in Portugal. Authorities are not expected to make a final decision on the year-end Gulf races until late September or early October, pending further developments in the region.
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Md. Kazi Bijoy is a dedicated tech enthusiast and content creator with a passion for digital innovation. With years of experience in the tech industry, he specializes in breaking down complex topics into easy-to-understand guides. When he isn’t writing, he explores the latest gadgets and researches emerging trends in the digital world.