Bahrain Grand Prix Moves to Malaysia's Sepang Circuit for October Race

A July-month agreement between Formula 1, the FIA and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain will see the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix staged at Sepang International Circuit from Oct 2-4, replacing the usual Bahrain venue because of earlier security concerns that forced the original event’s cancellation. Sepang, which last hosted a Formula 1 race in 2017, has already sold roughly 95 000 three-day tickets and is targeting the 100 000-spectator mark, still shy of the 126 690 record set in 2008.

The track’s long straights and fast-flowing middle section demand careful tyre management, while the threat of rain and regional haze adds extra risk, with the Malaysian Meteorological Department forecasting possible showers on Sunday. Only ten drivers have prior Sepang experience; former winners Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen return, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli seeks a podium after a tough weekend in Azerbaijan. Bahrain International Circuit chief executive Sheikh Salman Isa Al Khalifa says fans will also enjoy Bahraini culture and cuisine during the event.