Formula One will return to Malaysia in October after Sepang International Circuit was selected to host the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix, restoring a major international race to the venue for the first time since 2017.
Formula One announced on Sunday, July 26, that the race will take place on October 4 and will be formally designated the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The arrangement involves the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain, Formula One and motorsport’s governing body, the FIA.
The event remains subject to final agreements and approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council. If completed, it will bring the 2026 championship back to 23 races.
A compressed Asian run
The new date places Sepang between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 26 and the Singapore Grand Prix on October 11. Teams will therefore face a rapid sequence of freight, personnel and technical movements across three race weekends.
For Malaysia, the decision creates a short-lead tourism and event-management opportunity. Sepang sits near Kuala Lumpur International Airport and already hosts MotoGP, giving the circuit operating experience even after Formula One left the venue nine years ago.
Why the race moved
The original Bahrain Grand Prix at Sakhir was among Middle East races called off in April because of the Iran war and wider regional security conditions. Hosting the replacement in Malaysia preserves Bahrain’s race identity while using a circuit with established Formula One infrastructure.
The unusual naming has precedents in the sport, where races carrying one country’s designation have previously been staged in another. This edition, however, will be closely watched for what it means to regional scheduling, travel demand and Malaysia’s case for a longer-term place on the calendar.
Source note: Formula One’s July 26 announcement, as reported by Reuters and CNA.
