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Manila Bulletin devider Drive devider Malaysia to host Formula 1 race in October 2026

Malaysia to host Formula 1 race in October 2026

Sepang Circuit set as host venue for Bahrain Grand Prix

Published Jul 27, 2026 10:18 am

At A Glance

  • Malaysia will host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit from October 2-4 2026, between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix.
  • Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix because the continuation of conflict in the Middle East has forced a change of plan.
  • By hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, Formula 1, the FIA, the Government of Bahrain, and the Government of Malaysia can ensure the safety of fans and spectators while maintaining the F1 global race calendar.
Malaysia will host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit from October 2-4 2026, between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix.
Formula 1 and the FIA can confirm that they reached an agreement between the Government of Bahrain, and the Government of Malaysia, to preserve a Grand Prix that would otherwise not have happened. The rest of the schedule for 2026 remains unchanged.
The circuit in Sepang – which made its debut as an F1 venue in 1999 – is one of Formula 1’s most iconic and challenging circuits, known for its passionate fans, exciting racing and unpredictable weather. It last hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2017.
This year, it will host the Bahrain Grand Prix because the continuation of conflict in the Middle East, which was the original cause of the cancellation of April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, has forced a change of plan.
By hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, Formula 1, the FIA, the Government of Bahrain, and the Government of Malaysia can ensure the safety of fans and spectators while maintaining the F1 global race calendar.
The event is still subject to final agreements and official sign-off, including the approval of the World Motor Sport Council. If approved, it will become the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
“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,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
“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.
"With the blessings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Sultan Iskandar, King of Malaysia, and building on the close and brotherly relations between our two countries, I am proud to join Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia in announcing that Bahrain will host the Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, from 2 to 4 October 2026,” said His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
“I extend my deepest appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as the Government and people of Bahrain, for the trust and confidence they have placed in Malaysia,” said Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia.

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