Formula 1 roars back to Sepang as Malaysia hosts Bahrain Grand Prix in October

July 26, 2026

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Nearly a decade later, the roar of Formula 1 engines will once again echo across Sepang International Circuit for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

Formula 1 and the FIA have officially confirmed that Malaysia will once again welcome the world's premier motorsport championship, with the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix set to take place at the Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4, 2026.

Scheduled between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix, the event remains subject to final agreements and official approval, including endorsement by the World Motor Sport Council. Once confirmed, the race will officially become Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.

The landmark agreement between Formula 1, the FIA, the Government of Bahrain and the Government of Malaysia ensures the preservation of a Grand Prix that would otherwise not have taken place, while leaving the remainder of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar unchanged.

For motorsport fans, the announcement marks the long-awaited return of Formula 1 to one of the sport's most iconic venues. Sepang International Circuit, which first joined the Formula 1 calendar in 1999, has earned a reputation as one of the championship's most demanding and spectacular circuits, combining high-speed straights, technical corners, passionate supporters and Malaysia's famously unpredictable tropical weather.

Formula 1 President and Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali welcomed the announcement, describing Malaysia's return as a significant moment for both the championship and its global fanbase.

"We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026. I would like to express our sincere thanks to His Majesty King Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, His Royal Highness Prince Salman Hamad Al Khalifa and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, as well as their respective governments for making this extraordinary outcome possible through their vision, commitment, and decisive action."

He added that the return of Formula 1 to Sepang would be welcomed by fans around the world.

"Most importantly, 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. Malaysia is an incredible country, and Sepang holds a special place in Formula 1 history."

Malaysia's Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Salman Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as the Government and people of Bahrain, for their trust and confidence in Malaysia.

"We are honored to support the Kingdom of Bahrain, Formula 1 and the FIA in hosting the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit this year.

"This collaboration is more than the staging of a world-class sporting event. It reflects the enduring friendship, mutual trust and close partnership between Malaysia and the Kingdom of Bahrain, while reaffirming Malaysia's readiness and capability to host major international events."

The 2026 race will mark Formula 1's first return to Sepang since 2017, ending a nine-year absence from Malaysian soil. The last Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix was held on October 1, 2017, when Max Verstappen claimed victory for Red Bull Racing, bringing the curtain down on an unforgettable era of Formula 1 racing at Sepang.

Now, nearly a decade later, the unmistakable roar of Formula 1 engines is set to echo through the Sepang International Circuit once again, promising another unforgettable chapter for Malaysian motorsport fans and reaffirming the country's place on the global racing stage.

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