Formula 1 will return to Malaysia for the first time since 2017 after Formula 1 and the FIA confirmed Sunday that Sepang International Circuit will host the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix under a unique agreement between the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia.
The race is scheduled for Oct. 2–4 and will be officially known as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, pending final approval from the FIA World Motor Sport Council. The event will take place in its traditional position on the calendar between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix, while the remainder of the 2026 Formula 1 schedule remains unchanged.
The agreement allows Bahrain to retain its place on the Formula 1 calendar despite regional challenges that prevented the race from being held at Bahrain International Circuit this year.
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali called the agreement an example of the sport's ability to adapt while preserving its championship schedule.
"We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026," Domenicali said. "Once again, the sport has demonstrated its ability to adapt, find solutions and deliver."
The announcement also marks Formula 1's return to one of the sport's most recognizable venues.
Sepang hosted Formula 1 from 1999 through 2017 and earned a reputation as one of the championship's most demanding circuits, combining high-speed corners with tropical heat and unpredictable weather that frequently produced dramatic races.
Formula 1 said Sepang's history, passionate fan base and proven infrastructure made it a natural choice to host the relocated event.
Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa said the partnership reflects the close relationship between Bahrain and Malaysia while ensuring fans continue to enjoy a complete Formula 1 season.
"This will be a wonderful experience for fans around the world and reflects Bahrain's enduring commitment to, and passion for, the sport," Prince Salman said.
Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim said hosting the event demonstrates Malaysia's ability to stage major international sporting events while strengthening ties between the two countries.
"We are honored to support the Kingdom of Bahrain, Formula 1 and the FIA in hosting the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit," Anwar said.
Formula 1
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said safety remained the governing body's highest priority throughout discussions and described Sepang's return as an important moment for Formula 1.
"Malaysia has long held an important place in the history of Formula One," Ben Sulayem said. "The return of the championship to Sepang is testament to our close relationship with the Motorsports Association of Malaysia and the continued commitment of the Malaysian government."
The return also brings Formula 1 back to a circuit that has produced memorable moments throughout its history. Since opening in 1999, Sepang has hosted championship battles, dramatic wet-weather races and victories by many of the sport's greatest drivers before leaving the calendar after the 2017 season.
With the addition of Sepang, Formula 1 maintains its full 2026 calendar while giving fans the opportunity to see one of the championship's most iconic venues return to the schedule.
Formula 1 officials said ticket information for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia will be announced in the coming weeks, pending final approval from the FIA World Motor Sport Council. The event is scheduled for Oct. 2–4, 2026, between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix.