F1 and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) confirmed that the race will take place between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix, subject to final agreements and approval by the World Motor Sport Council.
The event will officially be known as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The agreement was reached between F1, the FIA, the Government of Bahrain and the Government of Malaysia to preserve a race that would otherwise not have taken place. The rest of the 2026 calendar remains unchanged.
Sepang last hosted an F1 race in 2017, when Max Verstappen won the Malaysian Grand Prix. The circuit, which joined the F1 calendar in 1999, is known for fast corners, unpredictable weather and strong fan support.
Formula 1 President and Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali said the agreement showed the sport’s ability to adapt. “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,” Domenicali said.
Domenicali thanked Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim and both governments for making the agreement possible.
“Most importantly, this is fantastic news for our fans. They will continue to enjoy a full and exciting Formula 1 calendar, while also seeing the sport return to a great venue,” Domenicali said.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said safety and wellbeing remained central throughout the process.
“Throughout this process, the FIA, Formula One Management, and our partners in Bahrain have worked tirelessly to explore every option, with the safety and wellbeing of the teams, volunteers, officials, our colleagues, and fans remaining our highest priority,” Ben Sulayem said.
Prince Salman said Bahrain remained committed to F1 despite regional challenges. “Amid ongoing regional challenges, Bahrain is proud to stand as a pillar of stability for Formula 1, and we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure a successful and memorable race for everyone involved,” Prince Salman said.
Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia was honoured to support Bahrain, F1 and the FIA. “We are honoured to support the Kingdom of Bahrain, Formula 1 and the FIA in hosting the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit this year,” Anwar said.
–F1/ChannelAfrica–
