– The Middle East conflict has already significantly disrupted the 2026 Formula 1 calendar: The two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, which were originally scheduled for spring, have been canceled. The Bahrain Grand Prix will now take place in October – but not in the desert, rather in Malaysia.
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And there are still big question marks hanging over the last two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. “We definitely want to take as much time as possible,” says Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali about the targeted timeline before a decision must be made.
“But I think we have to make a decision by the end of September at the latest.” This is necessary because the changes to the race calendar bring significant logistical challenges – not only for the teams themselves but also, for example, for tire manufacturer Pirelli.
Curious: Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 not actually in Bahrain
For this reason, it was already decided that the Bahrain Grand Prix cannot take place in Bahrain this year. “We wanted to reschedule the race in Bahrain, but we had to meet a strict deadline,” adds Domenicali.
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“Therefore, in line with the vision of the Crown Prince of Bahrain, our relationship with him and his kingdom, and of course his relationship with the Kingdom of Malaysia, we decided that we must be creative enough to dare something new.”
The Formula 1 race in Sepang will therefore not be held as the “Malaysian Grand Prix,” but actually as the “Bahrain Grand Prix,” even though the two circuits are about 6,000 kilometers apart as the crow flies. “I am therefore very happy and proud to be able to make this announcement in the current situation.”
The name itself is unlikely to change much about the race. “It is good for our sport, it is good for our fans,” says Domenicali. “The races are fantastic, and we want to give them the best possible opportunity to enjoy them.”
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