MOTORSPORT – The Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 will be taking place at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia from October 2 to 4, Formula One and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) announced yesterday.
Malaysia will host the kingdom’s race between the Azerbaijan and Singapore grands prix.
The event – subject to final agreements and official sign-off, including the approval of the World Motor Sport Council – will become the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
This agreement, reached between F1, the FIA, the Bahraini government, and the Malaysian government, allows F1 to preserve a grand prix that would otherwise not have happened. The rest of the schedule for 2026 remains unchanged.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, said: “With the blessings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Sultan Iskandar, King of Malaysia, and building on the close and brotherly relations between our two countries, I am proud to join Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, in announcing that Bahrain will host the F1 Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia from October 2 to 4.
“This will be a wonderful experience for fans around the world and reflects Bahrain’s enduring commitment to, and passion for, the sport.
“Amid ongoing regional challenges, Bahrain is proud to stand as a pillar of stability for F1, and we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure a successful and memorable race for everyone involved.
“I offer my sincere appreciation to F1, the FIA, Bahrain International Circuit, Sepang International Circuit, and the teams for their support in helping us deliver an exciting weekend of racing.”
Malaysian Prime Minister Ibrahim added: “I extend my deepest appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as the government and people of Bahrain, for the trust and confidence they have placed in Malaysia.
“We are honoured to support the Kingdom of Bahrain, F1, and the FIA in hosting the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit this year.
“This collaboration is more than the staging of a world-class sporting event. It reflects the enduring friendship, mutual trust, and close partnership between Malaysia and the Kingdom of Bahrain, while reaffirming Malaysia’s readiness and capability to host major international events.
“Malaysia stands ready to welcome F1, the FIA, the teams, and fans from around the world back to Sepang. We look forward to showcasing our world-class infrastructure, operational excellence, and warm hospitality, while further strengthening the bonds between our two nations through this special occasion.”
The development is an illustration of Bahrain’s vision and enduring commitment to F1 that dates back to the first-ever grand prix in the region in 2004, as well as the generosity of Malaysia to make it possible.
It also demonstrates the sport’s ability to adapt quickly and find a way to ensure that our fans, partners, and the whole ecosystem continue to benefit from an extensive 2026 schedule.
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