Malaysia is to host a grand prix in October on behalf of Bahrain after the Gulf state’s race was called off earlier this season as a result of the war in the Middle East.
The Sepang track near Kuala Lumpur is to hold a race that will be called the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia on 2-4 October, a week before the event in neighbouring Singapore.
A statement from F1 said that the arrangement meant F1 would “deliver 23 races for the 2026 season” and that “the rest of the schedule remains unchanged”.
However, there remains uncertainty about the final two scheduled races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi because of the war between the US/Israel and Iran.
F1 is working on contingency plans for a race to replace Qatar and Abu Dhabi if they cannot take place because the war is still ongoing.
A decision on that does not have to be made until September but a number of alternatives are being considered.
If Qatar and Abu Dhabi cannot happen, the most likely track to host a race at the end of the season is Imola in Italy.
Portimao in Portugal and Istanbul Park in Turkey are also under consideration, but are significantly less likely.
Both tracks have construction work to complete before their official return to the calendar next year, and hosting a race in early December would significantly increase the difficulties in completing it.
How did this Malaysia race happen?
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix were initially scheduled for April but were called off in March as a result of the war launched by the US/Israel against Iran.
F1 is keen to host at least 21 races, because any less than that would activate contractual clauses that could see the sport have to pay rights fees back to broadcasters and may also mean the same for teams with sponsorship budgets.
The arrangement between Bahrain and Malaysia was heavily influenced by Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
The Bahrain race has been Prince Salman’s pet project since it made its debut in 2004. Bahrain’s sovereign investment fund is also the owner of the McLaren F1 team.
F1 president and chief executive officer 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.
“I would like to express our sincere thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, as well as their respective governments for making this extraordinary outcome possible through their vision, commitment, and decisive action.”
Sepang, which last hosted a race in 2017 and made its debut on the F1 calendar in 1999, is a popular track with fans and Domenicali added: “Malaysia is an incredible country, and Sepang holds a special place in Formula 1 history. It will provide a spectacular setting for racing and an unforgettable experience for fans at the circuit and watching around the world.”
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