Malaysia Grand Prix 2026: Sepang set to host the Bahrain Grand Prix
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nana - Published on Jul 28, 2026
nana 
Contents
- Formula 1 prepares to return to Sepang after nine years
- Why is the Bahrain Grand Prix taking place in Malaysia?
- What makes Sepang such a distinctive Formula 1 circuit?
- A significant return for Formula 1 in Southeast Asia
- Enjoy Formula 1’s return to Malaysia
- Frequently asked questions
- Is the Malaysia Grand Prix returning in 2026?
- Is the 2026 race officially called the Malaysia Grand Prix?
- When was the last Formula 1 race in Malaysia?
- Is the Malaysia race fully approved?
Formula 1 is set to return to Malaysia in 2026 with the Malaysia Grand Prix 2026 at Sepang International Circuit, which has been announced as the host venue for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Scheduled for 2–4 October, the race would bring Formula 1 back to Sepang for the first time since 2017.
Formula 1 prepares to return to Sepang after nine years
Sepang International Circuit first joined the Formula 1 calendar in 1999 and remained a regular destination until the final Malaysia Grand Prix in 2017. Its proposed return in October would end a nine-year absence for one of Asia’s most recognisable racing venues.
Max Verstappen won the most recent Formula 1 race held at Sepang in 2017. The circuit’s history also includes victories for Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, and record four-time Malaysia Grand Prix winner Sebastian Vettel.
Max Verstappen won the most recent Formula 1 race held at Sepang in 2017
Why is the Bahrain Grand Prix taking place in Malaysia?
The October event would retain the official name Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, rather than becoming a conventional Malaysia Grand Prix.
The arrangement was reached between Formula 1, the FIA, and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia. It allows the Bahrain Grand Prix to remain part of the season while moving the event to Sepang, with the rest of the 2026 schedule expected to remain unchanged.
The race is positioned between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, taking place from 24–26 September, and the Singapore Grand Prix from 9–11 October. This would create a closely connected Asian segment before the championship moves to Austin later that month.
Why is the Bahrain Grand Prix taking place in Malaysia?
What makes Sepang such a distinctive Formula 1 circuit?
Sepang combines long straights with medium- and high-speed corners, creating opportunities for overtaking, varied race strategies, and close competition. Heat and humidity also place significant demands on the cars, drivers, and teams throughout the weekend. The tropical climate can transform a race with little warning. Heavy rain affected several previous Malaysian Grands Prix, most notably in 2009, when the race was stopped early after the circuit became flooded.
These conditions helped establish Sepang as one of Formula 1’s most challenging venues. Its wide track, technical corner combinations, and unpredictable weather could produce a very different test from the street circuits that surround it on the calendar.
What makes Sepang such a distinctive Formula 1 circuit?
A significant return for Formula 1 in Southeast Asia
The announcement brings another major motorsport weekend to Southeast Asia just one week before the Singapore Grand Prix. Fans could potentially combine both events within a longer regional journey, moving from Sepang’s purpose-built circuit to Singapore’s night race environment.
Malaysia’s return also reconnects Formula 1 with a circuit remembered for dramatic weather, competitive racing, and a strong regional fan base. Although the event would operate under the Bahrain Grand Prix name, the sight of Formula 1 cars racing at Sepang again would represent a significant moment for Malaysian motorsport.
A significant return for Formula 1 in Southeast Asia
Enjoy Formula 1’s return to Malaysia
Expect Formula 1 drivers to take on fast, dynamic racing in Malaysia’s tropical conditions, surrounded by the distinctive atmosphere of Sepang International Circuit. From the roar of the grid to the intensity of every overtake, the Malaysia Grand Prix 2026 promises a compelling race weekend for fans returning to one of Asia’s most recognised circuits.
Contact us for more information about Malaysia Grand Prix 2026 packages.
Enquire NowFrequently asked questions
Is the Malaysia Grand Prix returning in 2026?
Formula 1 is set to return to Sepang International Circuit from 2–4 October 2026. However, the event would officially operate as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Is the 2026 race officially called the Malaysia Grand Prix?
No. The announced name is the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, although many fans may informally refer to the weekend as the Malaysia Grand Prix or Sepang Grand Prix.
When was the last Formula 1 race in Malaysia?
The most recent Formula 1 race at Sepang took place in 2017, when Max Verstappen claimed victory for Red Bull Racing.
Is the Malaysia race fully approved?
The event has been announced by Formula 1 and the FIA, but remains subject to final agreements, official sign-off, and approval from the World Motor Sport Council.
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