Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit is set to host a Formula 1 race on October 4, 2026, filling the gap left by the postponed Bahrain Grand Prix due to ongoing Middle East conflict involving the Iran war [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The 2026 Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix, originally scheduled for April, were cancelled as the region faces intensified conflict [1, 2, 3, 5, 6].
The race in Malaysia will officially carry the Bahrain Grand Prix title and Bahrain is expected to cover the hosting fees [2, 3, 4]. This event marks Malaysia’s return to the F1 calendar for the first time since 2017 when the Sepang race was dropped amid rising costs and sanctioning fees [1, 2, 3, 7, 4, 5, 6].
Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister has confirmed ongoing talks about hosting the race, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim promising an official announcement around July 26, saying, “For F1, we will announce something on Sunday” [3, 7, 6]. Fans and the local motorsport community have expressed strong excitement and nostalgia for the return of F1 racing to Sepang [7, 4, 8, 9].
The comeback is expected to boost Malaysia’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Chin Chee Seong of the SME Association of Malaysia said, “F1 is a globally recognised sporting event that attracts international visitors, business travellers and motorsport enthusiasts” [10]. Christina Toh, president of the Malaysian Association of Hotels, added that “Malaysia’s hospitality industry is well prepared to accommodate additional visitors, supported by a mature hotel ecosystem” [11]. Increased hotel bookings, transport services, retailers, and local attractions are likely to benefit.
Formula 1’s governing body FIA and the World Motor Sport Council are involved in final approvals and scheduling related to the calendar changes [2, 5, 12, 6]. The 2026 calendar originally featured 24 races but was cut to 22 after cancellations. F1 aims to hold at least 21 races to avoid contractual penalties [1, 2, 5, 12, 6].
If the last two races in Qatar (Nov 29) and Abu Dhabi (Dec 6) cannot take place due to conflict, alternative venues under consideration include Imola in Italy, Portimao in Portugal, and Istanbul Park in Turkey [1, 2, 3, 5, 12, 6]. Imola is reportedly the frontrunner to host the season finale if needed [3, 4].
The Malaysian-hosted Bahrain Grand Prix will take place between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix (Sept 24-26) and the Singapore Grand Prix (Oct 11-13) on the 2026 calendar [4]. Final confirmation from Formula 1 and the FIA is expected imminently to ratify the schedule.
The return of Formula 1 to Sepang represents a major motorsport event for Malaysia after nine years and offers a key replacement for races disrupted by conflict in the Middle East.
