Formula 1 has added Malaysia to its 2026 schedule as the venue for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was postponed earlier in the season.
The sport’s bosses had hoped to hold the event again, but the ongoing conflict in the Middle East – which was the root cause of the cancellation of April’s races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia – forced them to change their plans.
Instead, Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit will host an event titled the Bahrain Grand Prix, with Gulf states funding the race in a show of support for the sport.
The event, which marks Malaysia’s first time hosting the race since 2017, will be held between the Baku and Singapore rounds from October 2 to 4 and will be run as a back-to-back triple header.
Max Verstappen was the winner the last time Malaysia hosted an F1 race.
The calendar change still needs to be approved by the World Motor Sport Council, but that step is considered a formality.
“We are delighted that Malaysia will host the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix,” said Formula 1 President Stefano Domenicali.
“Once again, the sport has shown its ability to adapt, find solutions and deliver, creating exciting moments for everyone who follows Formula 1.”
The addition of Malaysia increases the current schedule to 23 races, but Bahrain’s inability to host a race in October raises major doubts about whether the final two rounds of the season – in Qatar (27-29 November) and Abu Dhabi (4-6 December) – can be held.
As Formula 1 confirms the addition of a Malaysian team ahead of Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix, the final race before the month-long summer break, Formula 1 executives said the schedule for the remainder of the season remains unchanged for now.
The speed with which Formula 1 has pivoted to add races in Malaysia reflects its adaptability, suggesting it is prepared to make further changes to the schedule if necessary.
It has not yet been revealed whether only one or both of the final two rounds will be substituted if Formula 1 cannot be held at the planned venue.
Sepang International Circuit has previously hosted 19 F1 races.
Organizers of the Sepang International Circuit are understood to be one of several venues that have expressed interest in hosting this year’s Grand Prix.
Italy’s Imola Circuit is understood to be included in the framework if another venue is needed, while Portugal and Turkey, which return to the sporting calendar in 2027, could also be other possible alternatives.
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Formula 1 has added Malaysia to its 2026 schedule as the venue for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was postponed earlier in the season.
Bahrain-Malaysia original F1 ‘brother relationship’
Formula 1 has benefited from the strong relationship between Bahrain and Malaysia as it seeks solutions to avoid commercial problems that could arise from too many races being left out of the 2026 calendar.
Bahrain Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa said: “The hosting of this event will build on the close and brotherly relationship between our two countries.”
He added: “This will be an incredible experience for fans around the world and reflects Bahrain’s ongoing commitment and passion for sport.
“Amid ongoing regional challenges, Bahrain is proud to be a pillar of stability in Formula 1.
“We will continue to do our best to ensure a successful and memorable race for everyone involved.”
“Malaysia is ready to welcome Formula 1, the FIA and teams and fans from around the world back to Sepang,” added Dato Malaysian Prime Minister Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“We look forward to further strengthening the ties between our countries while showcasing our world-class infrastructure, operational excellence and warm hospitality through this special event.”
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the FIA board had “worked tirelessly” to reschedule the race in Bahrain.
Ben Sulayem said: “Throughout this, the FIA, Formula One management and our partners in Bahrain have worked tirelessly to explore all options, with the safety and wellbeing of our teams, volunteers, officials, colleagues and fans as our top priority.”
The Formula 1 season resumes after the summer break with the Dutch Grand Prix from August 21 to 23, with all sessions broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports NOW – No Commitment, Cancel Anytime
