Key Highlights
- The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit from 2–4 October, with the race on Sunday, 4 October.
- The event was moved after the original April race in Bahrain was cancelled amid the war in the Middle East and attacks on targets near the circuit.
- Despite taking place in Malaysia, the event will retain the name “Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia”, with Bahrain remaining the nominal host.
2026 Bahrain Grand Prix relocated to Malaysia
The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will take place at the Sepang International Circuit near Kuala Lumpur rather than in Bahrain. The replacement race weekend is scheduled for 2–4 October, with the 56-lap grand prix taking place on Sunday, 4 October, over a distance of 310.418 kilometres.
The event’s official name is the “Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia”. Formula 1 and the FIA confirmed the return of the championship to Malaysia after a nine-year absence, preserving the Bahrain Grand Prix on the 2026 calendar despite the cancellation of the original event.
Why the Bahrain race was cancelled
The Bahrain Grand Prix was originally due to run from 10–12 April 2026 as the fourth round of the season, followed one week later by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. On 14 March 2026, Formula 1 and the FIA announced that neither race would take place in April.
The decision followed the outbreak of war involving Iran in late February. Iranian attacks hit targets in Bahrain, including fuel facilities only a few kilometres from the circuit, while air traffic across the region was severely restricted. Formula 1 concluded that it was not possible to stage the race weekend safely under those conditions.
“While this was a difficult decision to take, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East,” Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said at the time.
No replacement races were added in the spring because there was insufficient preparation time to move an event to Europe. The cancellation instead created a five-week gap between the Japanese and Miami Grands Prix.
Why Formula 1 chose Sepang for the replacement race
Plans for a replacement event began to emerge in July, when Malaysia was reported to be considering a 2026 Formula 1 race. On 26 July 2026, Formula 1 and the FIA officially confirmed that the championship would return to Malaysia after nine years.
The calendar position and the circuit’s location were important factors in the decision. The Malaysian Grand Prix falls between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on 26 September and the Singapore Grand Prix on 11 October. Sepang and Singapore are approximately 320 kilometres apart, allowing Formula 1 to create a triple-header without forcing teams into a major logistical detour.
Sepang also has extensive experience of hosting Formula 1. The permanent circuit was on the calendar from 1999 to 2017 and was specifically built for grand prix racing. Martin Brundle praised the flexibility shown by those involved in making the replacement possible.
“Once again, the sport has demonstrated its ability to adapt, find solutions, and deliver, creating an exciting moment for everyone who follows Formula 1,” said Domenicali.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the return to Sepang was “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.”
Why the race is still called the Bahrain Grand Prix
Although the race will be staged in Malaysia, it remains the Bahrain Grand Prix under an agreement between Formula 1, the FIA, and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia. Bahrain is the nominal host, while the on-track action will take place at the Sepang International Circuit.
Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national airline, will remain the title sponsor. Bahrain also sets ticket prices and, according to the Sepang International Circuit, receives revenue from ticket sales. Tickets are being sold through the Bahrain International Circuit website, while Gulf Air is launching direct flights between Bahrain and Kuala Lumpur for the race weekend.
“The feedback from fans and those involved in the sport since we announced The Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia has been incredible. Fans now have their opportunity to ensure they are part of this unique piece of F1 history,” said Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Bahrain International Circuit.
Other Formula 1 Grands Prix held outside their namesake countries
A Formula 1 race being held outside the country named in its title has happened before. The 1982 Swiss Grand Prix was staged at Dijon in France because Switzerland had banned circuit racing after the 1955 Le Mans disaster.
The San Marino Grand Prix was held at Imola in Italy from 1981 to 2006, even though Italy also hosted its own Grand Prix at Monza. The Nurburgring hosted the Luxembourg Grand Prix in 1997 and 1998.
Sepang’s Formula 1 history
Max Verstappen won the most recent Formula 1 race at Sepang in 2017. Sebastian Vettel holds the circuit record for the most F1 victories, with four wins.
Other notable Sepang moments include Michael Schumacher’s return from a broken leg in 1999 and Lewis Hamilton’s engine failure in 2016, which cost him valuable points in the championship battle. Mercedes has announced a major upgrade for Malaysia as teams prepare for Formula 1’s return to the circuit.
The 2026 season finale remains uncertain. The Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix are also dependent on developments in the Middle East, and Domenicali has explained when Formula 1 will need to decide whether those events can proceed.
Why This Matters
The relocation keeps the Bahrain Grand Prix on the 2026 Formula 1 calendar while responding to security and travel restrictions caused by the conflict in the Middle East. It also demonstrates how the championship can use an established venue and a geographically efficient calendar slot to replace a cancelled race.
For Malaysia, the event marks Formula 1’s return to Sepang after nine years. For Bahrain, retaining the event’s name, title sponsorship, and commercial arrangements means the country’s Grand Prix remains part of the season even though the racing will take place elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix?
The race weekend will take place from 2–4 October 2026. The grand prix itself is scheduled for Sunday, 4 October.
Where will the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix be held?
It will be held at the Sepang International Circuit near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Why is the Malaysian race still called the Bahrain Grand Prix?
Bahrain remains the nominal host under an agreement involving Formula 1, the FIA, and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia. Bahrain also receives ticket-sale revenue, while Gulf Air remains the title sponsor.
