F1 Returns to Sepang as Bahrain Grand Prix Relocates to Malaysia

Formula 1 is heading back to Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit. The championship confirmed that the postponed Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at the Malaysian venue from October 2-4 after the Sakhir round was cancelled due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, bringing F1 back to the track for the first time since 2017.

Why it matters:

After years away from Southeast Asia, the return to Sepang ensures the calendar stays above 20 races, protecting crucial commercial agreements and keeping the championship on its full course. The move also preserves F1's bond with Bahrain, a loyal partner since 2004, while relying on Malaysia's flexibility to fill the void. For the teams, however, the reward comes with a cost: six grueling flyaway races packed into seven weekends to end the season.

The details:

• Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle praised the decision as "good lateral thinking," noting that while Bahrain "has been a big friend of Formula 1," current regional instability made racing there impossible.
• Brundle warned the schedule will be "punchy" for personnel, with intense logistical strain across back-to-back long-haul events.
• Former W Series driver Jamie Chadwick welcomed Sepang's return, calling it "one of my favourite tracks" and suggesting its mix of high-speed corners and heavy braking zones will suit the current cars much like Hungary and China.
• Malaysia last hosted F1 in 2017, when Max Verstappen won ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Daniel Ricciardo, before dropping off due to rising hosting fees and declining ticket sales.

What's next:

Attention now shifts to the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix, the next hurdle in an unrelenting summer schedule. With less than three months until October, teams must rapidly finalize freight and operational plans for a venue that hasn't held grand prix machinery in nearly a decade. The October event will also serve as a practical test of whether Malaysia can sustain Formula 1 under revised terms, potentially reopening the door for a permanent spot on future calendars.