Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia? FIA leaves fans confused by call for rescheduled race
Formula 1 and the FIA have announced that the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia from October 2-4, slotting in between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix.
F1 2026: FULL COVERAGE
However, the race is still subject to the completion of final agreements and formal approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council. Officially, the event will be known as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix of Malaysia.
The arrangement was made possible by a joint agreement involving Formula 1, the FIA and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia. It ensures the Bahrain Grand Prix will retain its place on the 2026 calendar despite original hosting plans not being able to go ahead, while the rest of the championship schedule remains unchanged.
Formula One said the move reflected Bahrain’s long-term commitment to the championship, which became the first Middle Eastern nation to host a Formula One race in 2004, as well as Malaysia’s willingness to step in at short notice. The sport also described the deal as an example of its ability to adapt quickly and maintain a full calendar of races for fans, teams and commercial partners.
“This is fantastic news for our fans. They will continue to enjoy a full and exciting Formula 1 calendar while seeing the sport return to a great place. Malaysia is an incredible country and Sepang holds a special place in Formula 1 history. It will provide a spectacular racing environment and an unforgettable experience for fans at the circuit and watching around the world,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
THE FANS ARE LEAVING
However, fans were a bit surprised and shocked to see the call to bring the race back to Sepang and call it the Bahrain Grand Prix. Some of them called it a stupid decision on social media, while some also had some fun.
The return of Sepang is expected to excite Formula 1 fans around the world. Renowned for its challenging layout, unpredictable tropical conditions and enthusiastic crowds, the Malaysian circuit has built a reputation as one of the championship’s most memorable venues and is expected to provide another entertaining weekend of racing.
It is not the first time in F1 that one country has hosted a race with the name of another. Germany’s Nrburgring once hosted the Grand Prix of Luxembourg, Imola served as the venue for the San Marino Grand Prix, while the Swiss Grand Prix was held across the border in France.
The Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix were originally canceled in April because of the Iran war and the situation in the Middle East.
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Published on:
26 Jul 2026 18:20 IST