SEPANG, Oct 2 — After almost a decade in the wilderness, Formula 1 (F1) roars back into Malaysia this weekend but not quite in the way anyone expected.
Instead of the familiar Malaysian Grand Prix (GP), Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 from October 2 to 4, turning the iconic Malaysian circuit into the temporary home of Bahrain’s biggest motorsport event.
This came after Formula 1 confirmed Malaysia as host of the upcoming Gulf Air Bahrain GP, following an agreement between Formula 1, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and governments of Malaysia and Bahrain, in July.
The agreement keeps the Bahrain GP on the 2026 F1 calendar after the race had been cancelled earlier this season due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
