F1 Adds Malaysian GP as Replacement for Cancelled Middle East Events Formula 1 announced on Sunday that the Malaysian Grand Prix will return to the 2026 calendar, marking its first edition since 2017. The race, now officially titled the “Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia,” will be held on October 4, forming a tripleheader with the Azerbaijan and Singapore GPs in late September and early October. This decision comes as a replacement for the canceled Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix events, which were disrupted by the ongoing Middle East conflict. The season’s schedule now includes three tripleheaders, stretching the calendar to nine races over 11 weeks, with the final race set for Abu Dhabi on December 6. However, the Abu Dhabi finale and the Qatar GP, scheduled for November 29, remain uncertain due to the same geopolitical tensions. The Malaysian race was chosen as a replacement after the Bahrain GP’s reinstatement in the October 4 slot became unfeasible following a breakdown in the ceasefire agreement between the involved parties. Malaysia’s proximity to Singapore—approximately one hour’s flight from Kuala Lumpur—was cited as a key logistical advantage, easing the challenges of organizing the race with just 10 weeks’ notice. The Sepang International Circuit, which hosted the Malaysian GP from 1999 to 2017, will once again serve as the venue. Max Verstappen’s 2017 victory for Red Bull remains the most recent result from the track. The decision to include the Malaysian GP also addresses a 35-day gap between the Japanese GP in late March and the Miami GP in early May, which had been created by the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races.#ferrari #formula_1 #sepang_international_circuit #malaysian_gp #bahrain_gp
Malaysia to Host 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit Formula 1 and the FIA have officially confirmed that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in October 2026, with the Sepang International Circuit serving as the venue for the event. The race, scheduled for October 2-4, will take place between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix on the 2026 calendar. The agreement, which is contingent on final approvals from the World Motor Sport Council, marks a significant development for the sport, ensuring the continuation of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia despite previous uncertainties. The decision was reached through collaboration between Formula 1, the FIA, the Governments of Bahrain and Malaysia, and reflects a shared commitment to preserving the event. The Sepang International Circuit, which first hosted a Formula 1 race in 1999, is one of the sport’s most iconic and challenging tracks. Known for its unpredictable weather, high-speed corners, and passionate fanbase, the circuit has long been a staple of the Formula 1 calendar. This new arrangement will see the venue host the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, a name that underscores the partnership between the two nations and the event’s significance. Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, expressed his enthusiasm for the announcement, highlighting the sport’s ability to adapt and deliver exciting moments for fans. He acknowledged the contributions of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, Sultan Ibrahim of Malaysia, and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, emphasizing their vision and collaboration in making the event possible. Domenicali also praised the fans, noting that the 2026 calendar will remain full and exciting, with the return of the sport to Sepang offering a unique experience for spectators worldwide.#formula_1 #malaysia #bahrain #fia #sepang_international_circuit
