Why is the Bahrain Grand Prix taking place in Malaysia?

The regular Bahrain Grand Prix race was canceled due to the war with Iran and the security situation in the Middle East, so the Sepang circuit in Malaysia was chosen as a replacement host.

When is the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia taking place?

The race takes place from October 2 to 4, 2026, at the Sepang circuit, between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix (September 26) and the Singapore Grand Prix (October 11).

How many races are now on the Formula 1 calendar for 2026?

After adding Sepang, the season calendar again has 23 races, but it is uncertain whether the final races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will take place.

When was the last time Sepang hosted Formula 1?

Sepang last hosted Formula 1 in 2017, and it has not been part of the world championship calendar since then.

Formula 1

Malaysia Saves the Calendar: Sepang to Host Race Instead of Bahrain

F.B. · 26. 07. 2026. | 3 min

Formula 1 has confirmed that Malaysia's Sepang circuit will host a race on October 4, replacing the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was canceled due to the conflict in the Middle East. This brings the season calendar back to its original 23 races.

Summary

The Sepang circuit in Malaysia will host the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix on October 4, 2026, as a replacement for the canceled race in Bahrain.
The regular Bahrain race and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix were canceled due to the war with Iran.
With the addition of Sepang, the Formula 1 calendar returns to 23 races for the season.
It remains uncertain whether the season's final races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will take place, with Imola being considered as a possible alternative.

Make 5MIN.hr a preferred source

On Sunday, July 26, during the Hungarian Grand Prix, Formula 1 announced that the Sepang circuit in Malaysia will host a race on October 4, 2026, replacing the Bahrain Grand Prix. The official name of the race will be the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, with the weekend running from October 2 to 4.

Middle East Conflict Alters Plans

The Bahrain Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April 2026, was canceled due to the conflict with Iran and deteriorating security conditions in the region. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah was also called off. By adding Sepang to the calendar, Formula 1 returns to its planned 23 races for the season.

Domenicali on Sepang: "It Will Provide a Spectacular Stage"

Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, welcomed the agreement reached by the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain, the FIA, and Formula 1.

"This is great news for our fans. Our fans will continue to enjoy a rich and exciting Formula 1 calendar, and they will also get to see racing at one of the great circuits again. Sepang holds a special place in Formula 1 history. It will provide a spectacular stage for racing and an unforgettable experience for spectators at the track and on screens around the world."

, said Domenicali in an official Formula 1 statement.

Race Slotted Between Azerbaijan and Singapore

The Malaysian race will be placed on the calendar between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, scheduled for September 26, and the Singapore Grand Prix, which takes place on October 11. Sepang has not hosted Formula 1 since 2017, when the Malaysian race was part of the regular world championship calendar.

Season Finale Still Uncertain

Although Sepang returns, the question of the season finale remains open. According to well-informed sources at the Hungaroring, there is still speculation about whether the last two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will go ahead, given the situation in the Middle East. Italy's Imola, Ferrari's home track, has been mentioned as a possible replacement for the final race if those two races are not held.

Formula 1 Adapts Schedule Under Extraordinary Circumstances

The cancellation of two races in the Middle East and their replacement demonstrates how Formula 1 is striving to maintain as full a calendar as possible even under extraordinary circumstances. The news of Sepang's return was announced with a note that its inclusion is still subject to final agreements and official approval, but Formula 1 presented the Malaysian race as a near-certainty.