The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix is not going to happen in Bahrain, however in Malaysia. The occasion will likely be held from 2-4 October on the Sepang Worldwide Circuit close to Kuala Lumpur, with the race scheduled for Sunday 4 October. Its official title is the “Formulation 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia”.
The explanation for the transfer is the warfare within the Center East. The unique Bahrain race in April needed to be cancelled. By staging a substitute occasion in Malaysia, the Bahrain Grand Prix stays on the calendar.
Why the race in Bahrain was cancelled
The Bahrain Grand Prix was initially scheduled to happen on 10-12 April 2026 because the fourth spherical of the season. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was resulting from observe one week later. On 14 March 2026, Formulation 1 and the FIA introduced that each races wouldn’t happen in April.
The choice got here in opposition to the backdrop of the warfare involving Iran, which had begun in late February. Iranian assaults hit targets in Bahrain, together with gasoline services only some kilometres from the circuit. Air site visitors throughout the area was additionally severely restricted. Underneath these circumstances, it was not potential to stage the race weekend safely.
“Whereas this was a troublesome choice to take, it’s sadly the appropriate one at this stage contemplating the present scenario within the Center East,” Formulation 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali mentioned on the time.
There have been no substitute races within the spring. There was not sufficient preparation time to maneuver an occasion to Europe, leaving a five-week hole between the Japanese and Miami Grands Prix.
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Alexander Albon, Williams
Picture by: Mark Sutton / Formulation 1 by way of Getty Pictures
Why Malaysia?
Plans for a substitute started to take form in July. It initially emerged that Malaysia was contemplating internet hosting a race in 2026. On 26 July 2026, Formulation 1 and the FIA formally confirmed that Formulation 1 would return to Malaysia after a nine-year absence.
The calendar and logistics had been main causes for selecting Sepang. The race sits between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on 26 September and the Singapore Grand Prix on 11 October. Sepang and Singapore are solely round 320 kilometres aside. That creates a triple-header with out requiring the groups to make a significant logistical detour.
Then there’s the circuit itself. Sepang was a everlasting fixture on the Formulation 1 calendar from 1999 to 2017. The venue was constructed for grand prix racing and already has intensive expertise of staging Formulation 1 occasions. Pundit Martin Brundle additionally praised the flexibleness proven by these concerned.
“As soon as once more, the game has demonstrated its capability to adapt, discover options, and ship, creating an thrilling second for everybody who follows Formulation 1,” mentioned Domenicali.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem mentioned the return to Sepang was “testomony to our shut relationship with the Motorsports Affiliation of Malaysia, the continued dedication of the Malaysian Authorities, and the energy of worldwide cooperation inside our sport.”
Why is it nonetheless known as the Bahrain Grand Prix?
Regardless of being held in Malaysia, the occasion stays the Bahrain Grand Prix. That is the results of an settlement between Formulation 1, the FIA and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia. Bahrain stays the nominal host of the grand prix, whereas the race itself takes place on the Sepang Worldwide Circuit. Bahrain’s nationwide airline Gulf Air stays the title sponsor.
Bahrain additionally determines ticket costs and, based on the Sepang Worldwide Circuit, receives the income from ticket gross sales. For Bahrain, this implies its Grand Prix has not disappeared completely from the 2026 calendar. Tickets are being bought via the Bahrain Worldwide Circuit web site. Gulf Air can also be launching direct flights between Bahrain and Kuala Lumpur in time for the race weekend.
Race begin
Picture by: Andrea Diodato – NurPhoto – Getty Pictures
“The suggestions from followers and people concerned within the sport since we introduced The Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia has been unimaginable. Followers now have their alternative to make sure they’re a part of this distinctive piece of F1 historical past,” mentioned Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Government of the Bahrain Worldwide Circuit.
Grands Prix within the ‘mistaken’ nation: It has occurred earlier than
A grand prix being held exterior the nation whose title it carries shouldn’t be completely unprecedented in Formulation 1. In earlier circumstances, nonetheless, the nation lending its title to the race and the nation truly internet hosting it had been a lot nearer geographically.
The 1982 Swiss Grand Prix was held at Dijon in France as a result of Switzerland had banned circuit racing following the 1955 Le Mans catastrophe.
The San Marino Grand Prix was held at Imola in Italy from 1981 to 2006. Italy already had its personal Grand Prix at Monza.
In 1997 and 1998, the Nurburgring hosted the Luxembourg Grand Prix.
Sepang: Again after 9 years
The newest Formulation 1 race at Sepang was received by Max Verstappen in 2017. Sebastian Vettel holds the file for probably the most F1 victories on the circuit with 4. Different memorable moments embody Michael Schumacher’s comeback from a damaged leg in 1999 and Lewis Hamilton’s engine failure in 2016, which price him priceless factors within the championship battle.
The 2026 race will run for 56 laps and canopy 310.418 kilometres. Some groups are making ready extensively for Formulation 1’s return to Sepang. Mercedes, for instance, has introduced a significant improve for Malaysia.
The top of the season, in the meantime, stays unsure. The races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi additionally rely on developments within the Center East. Domenicali has already defined when Formulation 1 might want to decide on the season finale.
Race Begin
Picture by: Peter J Fox / Getty Pictures
Often requested questions concerning the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
When is the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix?
The race weekend will happen from 2 to 4 October 2026. The race itself will likely be held on Sunday, 4 October.
The place will the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix happen?
On the Sepang Worldwide Circuit close to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
Why is Formulation 1 not racing in Bahrain in 2026?
The race scheduled for April was cancelled due to the warfare within the Center East. Iranian assaults hit targets in Bahrain near the circuit.
Why is the race in Malaysia known as the Bahrain Grand Prix?
Bahrain stays the nominal host of the occasion and receives the income from ticket gross sales. Bahrain’s nationwide airline Gulf Air stays the title sponsor.
When did Formulation 1 final race in Malaysia?
In 2017. Max Verstappen received the newest Malaysian Grand Prix.
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