Formula 1 has added Malaysia to its 2026 schedule as the host of the Bahrain Grand Prix that was postponed earlier in the season.
The sport’s bosses had hoped to reinstate the event to the calendar, but the continuation of conflict in the Middle East, which was the original cause of the cancellation of April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, has forced a change of plan.
Instead, Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit will host an event that will still be titled the ‘Bahrain Grand Prix’, with the Gulf state funding the race in a show of support for the sport.
The event, which will see Malaysia host a race for the first time since 2017, is scheduled to take place from October 2-4, slotting between rounds in Baku and Singapore to create a triple-header of back-to-back races.
Max Verstappen was the winner the last time Malaysia hosted an F1 race
The change to the calendar still needs to be approved by the World Motor Sport Council, but that step is considered a formality.
Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali said: “We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026.
“Once again, the sport has demonstrated its ability to adapt, find solutions, and deliver, creating an exciting moment for everyone who follows Formula 1.”
Adding Malaysia increases the current schedule to 23 races, but the inability of Bahrain to host a race in October creates major doubt over whether the final two rounds of the season – in Qatar (Nov 27-29) and Abu Dhabi (Dec 4-6) – will be able to go ahead.
As Formula 1 confirmed the addition of Malaysia ahead of Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix – the last race before a month-long summer break, the sport’s bosses said that the schedule for the rest of the season currently remains unchanged.
The speed with which Formula 1 has pivoted to add the race in Malaysia reflects an adaptability that suggests they will be ready to make further alterations to the schedule should they be required to.
It remains to be seen whether Formula 1 would seek to replace just one or both of the final two rounds in the event they are unable to be held at their planned venues.
The Sepang International Circuit has previously hosted 19 F1 races
Sepang International Circuit organisers were understood to have been one of a number of venues to express interest in stepping in to host a Grand Prix this year.
Italy’s Imola circuit is understood to be in the frame should another host be required, while Portugal and Turkey, both of which return to the sport’s calendar in 2027, are other possible alternatives.
The Formula 1 season resumes after the summer break with the Dutch Grand Prix from August 21-23, with every session live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
