Malaysia Returns to F1 Calendar to Host Postponed 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix

Formula 1 has confirmed that the postponed Bahrain Grand Prix will move to Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit this October, marking the venue's first race since 2017. The event, scheduled for October 2-4, will officially retain the Bahrain Grand Prix name with the Gulf state backing the race financially, as ongoing conflict in the Middle East keeps the Sakhir circuit off the calendar.

Why it matters:

The addition brings the 2026 schedule to 23 races and shows F1's ability to adapt around regional instability. Yet Bahrain's continued absence from its home slot raises fresh concerns about the season finale, casting serious doubt on whether Qatar and Abu Dhabi can proceed as planned in November and December.

The details:

• Sepang slots between the Azerbaijan and Singapore rounds to form a demanding triple-header across three consecutive weekends, a layout that will test teams and logistics crews immediately after the summer break.
• April's races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled due to regional conflict, and with no resolution in sight, officials abandoned hopes of a Sakhir return this year.
• Several circuits offered to step in, but Sepang secured the deal. Italy's Imola is understood to be next in line should F1 need another replacement venue later in the season.
• While the Dutch Grand Prix on August 21-23 is set to restart the season after the summer break, the calendar beyond Hungary currently remains officially unchanged.

What's next:

Formula 1 is monitoring the situation in the Middle East closely as the championship enters its closing stages. If Qatar or Abu Dhabi cannot be held, Portugal and Turkey—both confirmed for 2027—are considered possible late replacements, though the sport faces a narrowing window to finalize any further changes.