Formula 1 is returning to Malaysia at the Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4th, 2026, for a special one-off arrangement
Please take note that F1 is NOT returning under the traditional “Malaysian Grand Prix” title, instead, Malaysia is hosting the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix.
Due to the ongoing Middle East Conflict & Race Cancellations which in other words means geopolitical instability and the escalation of conflicts in Iran by Israel, this has led to the cancellation of the original Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix earlier in the season.
Rather than losing a race date entirely and in keeping with the fans excitement, Bahrain’s race promoters reached an agreement with the FIA, F1 and the Malaysian government to hold the event at Sepang race circuit.
Sepang race circuit is located just around 320km from Singapore. slotting the event between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and the Singapore Grand Prix creates a smooth, cost-effective logistical flyaway leg for teams and freight.
Because Sepang is already an FIA Grade 1 circuit located right next to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), it required minimal lead time and preparation compared to building or re-certifying alternative venues.
Malaysians are excited and trilled as the race marks F1’s first time back at Sepang since 2017, when Malaysia originally stepped away from hosting due to high hosting costs and declining ticket sales.
“I would like to express our sincere thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin 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.
“Of course, I would also like to thank FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his partnership and collaboration throughout the process.
“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.
“It will provide a spectacular setting for racing and an unforgettable experience for fans at the circuit and watching around the world.”
His Excellency, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, also commented: “I am incredibly proud of the collaboration that will enable Malaysia to host the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at the iconic Sepang circuit later this year.
Meanwhile, here are the details on tickets and the schedule for the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia at Sepang. An official ticket release date has not been announced yet.
Because the agreement between F1, the FIA, and the Malaysian and Bahraini governments was just finalised, organisers and ticketing platforms (such as the official Sepang International Circuit store and Formula1.com) are finalizing seating allocations and pricing. Expect ticket sales and pre-registration links to open within the coming weeks.
There is some need to know information for race fans.
Race Weekend Schedule
The event will run from October 2 to October 4, 2026. While exact session times in Malaysia Time (UTC+8) will be confirmed closer to the event, the provisional weekend structure follows standard F1 format:
Friday, October 2: Free Practice 1 (FP1) & Free Practice 2 (FP2)
Saturday, October 3: Free Practice 3 (FP3) & Qualifying
Sunday, October 4: The Grand Prix (Race)
