26 July 2026 16:00 (UTC)
The Sepang International Circuit last hosted Formula 1 in 2017
Formula 1 has announced that this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix will be hosted at the Sepang International Circuit on 2 - 4 October 2026.
Officially designated as the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, the race will slot in between the rounds in Azerbaijan and Singapore. This increases the number of events in 2026 back up to 23, following the postponement of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix earlier this year.
The deal to host this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia ensures the continuity of an event that would have otherwise been cancelled. It is thanks to the vision and support of the Government of Bahrain that this has been made possible.
The agreement reached between the Government of Bahrain, the Government of Malaysia, Formula 1, and the FIA demonstrates the ability of the sport, its hosts, and its governing bodies to adapt in difficult circumstances to ensure we continue to deliver an extensive calendar of races around the world.
Racing will return to the Bahrain International Circuit for 2027, with the popular Grand Prix already contracted to remain on the Formula 1 calendar through to 2036 inclusive. Recognised as our second home race, Oscar Piastri claimed a historic first win for the team at the circuit in last year’s World Championship-winning campaign.
“The Bahrain Grand Prix is always a special moment for us as a team, and we’re looking forward to heading to Malaysia as this year’s host venue,” said Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing. “Thanks to the vision and support of the Bahrain Government, the Formula 1 community is able to come together and enjoy a Grand Prix that otherwise would not have been able to take place in 2026, a testament to the enduring commitment and passion of the country for motorsport.
“We look forward to heading back to Sepang for the first time since 2017, a circuit with a lot of character and that offers a lot of intense racing. We can’t wait to return to Sakhir next year to celebrate the Bahrain Grand Prix, the first Formula 1 event held in the Middle East, in its traditional home, the Bahrain International Circuit.”
Located just outside of Kuala Lumpur, the Sepang International Circuit held Formula 1 Grands Prix from 1999 to 2017. McLaren have won twice at Sepang: the circuit played host to Kimi Räikkönen’s maiden F1 victory in 2003 - a brilliant drive through the field from seventh - while Fernando Alonso also took victory here in McLaren colours in 2007, leading home a memorable 1-2 finish ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
