Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Formula 1 has added Malaysia to its 2026 schedule as host of the Bahrain Grand Prix which was postponed earlier in the season.
The sport’s bosses had hoped to put the event back on the calendar, but the continuation of the conflict in the Middle East, which was the main reason for the cancellation of the April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, forced a change of plans.
Instead, Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit will host an event still titled the ‘Bahrain Grand Prix’, with the Gulf state funding the race in a show of support for the sport.
The event, which will see Malaysia host a race for the first time since 2017, is scheduled to form a triple-header of back-to-back races, slotting between rounds in Baku and Singapore between October 2-4.
Max Verstappen won the last F1 race held in Malaysia
The change to the calendar still needs to be approved by the World Motor Sport Council, but that move is considered a formality.
Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali said: “We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026.
“Once again, the sport has demonstrated its ability to adapt, find solutions and deliver, creating an exciting moment for everyone who follows Formula 1.”
Adding Malaysia increases the current schedule to 23 races, but Bahrain’s inability to host a race in October casts major doubt over whether the final two rounds of the season – in Qatar (Nov 27-29) and Abu Dhabi (Dec 4-6) – will be able to go ahead.
As Formula 1 confirmed the addition of Malaysia ahead of Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix – the last race before a month-long summer break, the sport’s bosses said the rest of the season’s schedule was currently unchanged.
The speed with which Formula 1 has moved to add races in Malaysia reflects an adaptability that suggests they will be prepared to make further changes to the schedule if necessary.
It remains to be seen whether Formula 1 will seek to replace one or both of the final two rounds if they cannot be held at their planned venues.
The Sepang International Circuit has previously hosted 19 F1 races
Sepang International Circuit organizers are understood to have been one of several venues to express an interest in hosting a grand prix this year.
Italy’s Imola circuit is understood to be in the frame if another host is needed, while Portugal and Türkiye, both of which return to the sporting calendar in 2027, are other possible options.
The Formula 1 season resumes after the summer break with the Dutch Grand Prix from August 21-23, with every session live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports now – no contract, cancel anytime
