Formula 1 has announced that Malaysia will be added to the 2026 race calendar, stepping in to host the event originally slated as the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was postponed earlier in the season. The governing body had initially hoped to bring the Bahrain round back onto the schedule, but the ongoing conflict in the Middle East – the same crisis that forced the cancellation of the April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia – has compelled officials to rethink their plans.
In a creative workaround, the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia will stage a race that will retain the title "Bahrain Grand Prix." The Gulf nation will continue to fund the event, signalling its ongoing support for the sport despite the logistical hurdles. This arrangement will mark Malaysia's return to the F1 calendar for the first time since the 2017 season, with the race pencilled in for the weekend of 2‑4 October. It will sit neatly between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku and the Singapore Grand Prix, creating a three‑race sprint that will see teams travel from one Asian venue to the next with minimal downtime.
The proposed amendment still requires formal approval from the World Motor Sport Council, but insiders expect that step to be largely procedural. "We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026," said Formula 1 President Stefano Domenicali.
"Once again, the sport has demonstrated its ability to adapt, find solutions, and deliver, creating an exciting moment for everyone who follows Formula 1." Adding the Malaysian round expands the 2026 schedule to 23 events. However, the inability to hold the Bahrain race in October raises serious questions about the fate of the final two meetings of the season – the Qatar Grand Prix (scheduled for 27‑29 November) and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (4‑6 December). As the sport disclosed the Malaysia addition ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix – the last race before the summer hiatus – officials reassured fans that the remainder of the calendar remains unchanged for the moment. The rapid pivot to include Sepang demonstrates Formula 1's growing flexibility and its willingness to make swift adjustments when geopolitical or logistical issues arise.
It also leaves open the possibility that, should the Qatar or Abu Dhabi events become untenable, the series could look for additional replacements. Sepang's organizers were reportedly among several circuits that expressed interest in stepping up on short notice.
Italy's historic Imola circuit is also being considered as a backup, while Portugal and Turkey – both slated to return in 2027 – could serve as further alternatives. The partnership between Bahrain and Malaysia has proved invaluable in navigating these commercial complexities. Bahrain Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa emphasized that the arrangement would "build on the close and brotherly relations between our two countries," adding that the race would provide a "wonderful experience for fans around the world" and underscore Bahrain's "enduring commitment to, and passion for, the sport." He continued, "Amid ongoing regional challenges, Bahrain is proud to stand as a pillar of stability for Formula 1, and we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure a successful and memorable race for everyone involved." Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim echoed the sentiment, stating that Malaysia is ready to welcome Formula 1, the FIA, the teams and supporters back to Sepang.
He highlighted the country's "world‑class infrastructure, operational excellence and warm hospitality," and noted that the event would further strengthen the bonds between the two nations. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also weighed in, saying the governing body had "worked tirelessly" to find a solution for the displaced Bahrain round. "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," he explained. The 2026 season will resume after the summer break with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, scheduled for 21‑23 August, and all sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
Fans can stream the coverage via NOW, with no long‑term contract required. The inclusion of Malaysia not only preserves the total number of races but also showcases the sport's capacity to adapt to geopolitical realities while maintaining a compelling global spectacle for its worldwide audience.