Malaysia To Host Rearranged Bahrain Grand Prix In October

Written By James Chittick | Published at July 27, 2026

Malaysia Bahrain Grand Prix — May 23, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (12) collides with McLaren driver Lando Norris (1) and exits the track during the sprint race of the Lenovo Grand Prix Du Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Malaysia will step in to host the postponed Bahrain Grand Prix in October, after conflict in the Middle East forced major changes to the 2026 calendar.

The event will run at Sepang from 2-4 October and will officially carry the Bahrain Grand Prix name, forming a back‑to‑back pairing with Singapore the following weekend.

F1 confirmed that this adjustment allows the championship to maintain a 23‑race season, with the rest of the schedule remaining intact for now.

Even so, uncertainty surrounds the final two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi because of the ongoing war involving the US/Israel and Iran.

Contingency plans are being prepared in case those races cannot be held, and a final decision is not required until September.

If replacements are needed, Imola is currently viewed as the strongest candidate to host an additional late‑season race.

Portimao and Istanbul Park have also been discussed, but both circuits face construction deadlines ahead of their planned return next year, making a December event far more challenging.

The reshuffle follows the earlier cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races, which were originally scheduled for April.

Malaysia To Host Bahrain Grand Prix

Formula 1 is determined to avoid dropping below 21 races, as doing so could trigger contractual clauses requiring the sport to refund broadcasters and potentially affect team sponsorship agreements.

The agreement between Bahrain and Malaysia was shaped heavily by Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who has long championed the Bahrain Grand Prix since its debut in 2004.

Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund also owns the McLaren team, adding further significance to the arrangement.

F1 president Stefano Domenicali praised the cooperation that made the switch possible, saying: “We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026.”

He also highlighted Sepang’s history and appeal, noting that the circuit “holds a special place in Formula 1” and will offer fans a memorable weekend as it returns to the calendar for the first time since 2017.