– Formula 1 has found a replacement race for the canceled Bahrain Grand Prix and returns to Malaysia after a nine-year break. The rescheduled date at the Sepang International Circuit near Kuala Lumpur is set for October 4, 2026.
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Curious: Officially, the race will be held under the name “Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia” – i.e., as the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Reportedly, Bahrain is said to be investing a lot and contributing to being able to host “its” Grand Prix in 2026.
“We are very pleased to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026,” says Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali. “Once again, the sport has proven its ability to adapt, find solutions and deliver results, creating an exciting moment for everyone who follows Formula 1.”
According to the Italian, these are “fantastic news” for the fans: “They will continue to enjoy a full and exciting Formula 1 calendar while experiencing the sport’s return to a great venue.”
Tripleheader with Baku and Singapore
“Malaysia is an incredible country, and Sepang holds a special place in the history of Formula 1,” he emphasizes. “It will provide a spectacular backdrop for racing and an unforgettable experience for fans at the track and on screens around the world.”
Logistically, this makes sense for Formula 1: It fills the week between the races in Azerbaijan (September 26) and Singapore (October 11) and turns the two individual races into a tripleheader. There are only about 320 kilometers – or four and a half hours by car – between Sepang and Singapore anyway.
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In addition, this would provide a buffer to react to a possible cancellation of the Middle East races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi at the end of the season, should possible replacement races not be feasible. If both races were to be canceled, only one of them would need to be replaced to reach the 22 races necessary to fulfill the TV contracts.
Currently, however, Formula 1 emphasizes: “The rest of the calendar remains unchanged.”
Malaysia part of the calendar for almost 20 years
Malaysia was already on the Formula 1 calendar between 1999 and 2017 and provided the premier class with some iconic moments. In 1999, Michael Schumacher made his comeback after breaking his leg and gifted the victory to his Ferrari teammate Eddie Irvine to keep his title chances alive before the final race.
In 2016, Lewis Hamilton experienced one of the bitterest moments of his career when he retired from the lead with an engine failure. These points were missing at the end of the season in the championship battle against Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg, who won his only title and announced his retirement shortly thereafter.
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Also unforgettable are the numerous rain escapades in sudden monsoon rain, such as in 2001 or 2009, where the race even had to be abandoned.
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Record winner in Malaysia is Sebastian Vettel, who won four races for Ferrari and Red Bull, followed by Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso with three successes each. The last race in 2017 was won by Max Verstappen in the Red Bull.
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