Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
It’s been 9 whole years since Malaysia last hosted a Formula One Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit. But it’s official. Malaysia is back on the F1 calendar, with Sepang set to host the upcoming Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix from 2nd to 4th October 2026.
With everyone in an understandable flurry over the announcement, here’s everything we know about F1 making a comeback in Malaysia:
Table of Contents
What is Formula One?
In case you’re new to Formula One, here’s a quick 101 on it.
Image credit: Formula One via website
Formula One, also simply called F1, is known as the most important international racing competition for single-seater formula racing cars. The word “formula” refers to rules set by the world motor sport governing body Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), which every competing driver and team must follow, while the “one” represents the global race’s position as the highest class of international single-seater racing.
And yes, F1 is a sport, as drivers battle fierce g-forces and make decisions in a split second while travelling at extremely high speeds.
Image adapted from: @F1 via Instagram
There are two championships held each year concurrently: the F1 Drivers’ Championship for drivers and the F1 Teams’ Championship for teams or constructors. Drivers and teams take part in races known as a Grand Prix during a season, which are held at circuits and closed-off street tracks around the world. They collect points based on their results.
This year’s championship marks its 77th edition, with the 2026 F1 calendar featuring 24 Grands Prix taking place from March to December.
Why is Malaysia hosting the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix?
A Grand Prix is typically named after its venue, with the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix originally scheduled at Bahrain International Circuit for April, as the 4th round of the 2026 F1 season. However, the race was cancelled alongside the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
F1 rescheduled the race for 4th October, but escalating tensions meant Bahrain could no longer host it.
Image adapted from: Sepang International Circuit
In a joint agreement between F1, the FIA, and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia, the Grand Prix will now be held at Sepang International Circuit instead, allowing F1 to keep the race on its 2026 calendar. The rest of the F1 calendar remains unchanged. This announcement was officially made on 26th July, with the last step – an approval of formality by the World Motor Sport Council – pending.
With the Bahrain government funding the race, the event will keep Bahrain’s name. The Grand Prix will officially be called Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, or simply Bahrain Grand Prix.
Has Malaysia hosted F1 before?
Interestingly enough, Malaysia’s Grand Prix history began before Sepang International Circuit was built in 1997 and completed 2 years later. The Shah Alam Circuit has hosted racing categories between 1968 and 1995, including the Formula Libre and Formula Two.
Image credit: Formula One via website
Malaysia joined the F1 World Championship in 1999, with an inaugural race at the Sepang Circuit delivering all the drama – Michael Schumacher’s return after recovering from a broken leg to help Ferrari teammate Eddie Irvine secure victory might ring a bell. Since then, Sepang became an annual fixture known for close racing, difficult weather, and more than a few chaotic moments that audiences crave.
However, after 19 consecutive editions, the Malaysian Grand Prix left the F1 calendar following its 2017 race due to rising hosting and licensing fees. The last race in 2017 reportedly cost the Malaysian government hundreds of millions.
Image adapted from: @F1 via Instagram
Sepang International Circuit remained active through races like MotoGP, GT racing, and regional championships. F1 was left out of the racing calendar until the one-off Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix was announced, for which Malaysia does not incur any registration fees to the FIA.
What to know about Sepang International Circuit?
With F1 describing Sepang International Circuit as “one of its most iconic and challenging circuits” in an Instagram post, all eyes have been on the track in Malaysia.
Image credit: Formula One via website
Sepang International Circuit officially opened on 9th March 1999 and was designed by renowned German circuit architect Hermann Tilke. Located near Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, the circuit spans 5.543km and features 15 corners and 8 straights.
Sepang’s layout combines long straights with low, medium and high-speed corners, giving drivers several opportunities to overtake. Its longest straight follows the challenging Turn 14, where F1 cars have previously reached speeds of around 330km/h.
Malaysia’s heat and unpredictable downpours add another layer of difficulty, with the 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix famously cut short after heavy rain flooded the track.
For the upcoming Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, an estimated cost of RM10 million to RM16 million will be spent to upgrade the track at the Sepang circuit.
How to get tickets to the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang?
Image credit: Formula One via website
Ticket prices and sale dates for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit, which takes place between 2nd and 4th October, have not yet been announced. F1 has revealed that ticketing information will be “released soon” through its official channels.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has teased “affordable” ticket options that may be available for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which are expected to be seats further from the track, as reported by The Star.
Formula One returns to Sepang after 9 years
This is a pivotal moment for Malaysians, F1 fans or not, as the race places Sepang back on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages after 9 years. Beyond the excitement on the track, Malaysia’s selection as the replacement venue highlights the country’s ability to host major international events at short notice.
For longtime fans, it is a chance to experience Formula One at Sepang once again. For everyone else, it might just be the weekend that turns the distant sound of race cars into a new obsession.
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Cover image adapted from: Formula One via website