Malaysia Set to Welcome Formula 1 Back to Sepang After Nine-Year Absence
Malaysia Set to Welcome Formula 1 Back to Sepang After Nine-Year Absence
Formula 1 is officially making its long-awaited return to Malaysia, with the Sepang International Circuit set to host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix from October 2 to 4, 2026. The announcement marks the sport's first visit to Malaysia since the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix, bringing one of the world's biggest motorsport events back to local fans.
Unlike previous editions, the race will not be held as the Malaysian Grand Prix. Instead, Sepang will temporarily host the Bahrain Grand Prix after the original event in Bahrain was cancelled earlier this year due to the ongoing security situation in the Middle East. The race will still award full championship points and remains an official round of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali thanked the Malaysian government, Sepang International Circuit, Bahrain, and the FIA for working together to make the event possible, describing Sepang as one of Formula 1's most iconic venues. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also welcomed the return, calling it a significant opportunity to showcase Malaysia on the global stage.
Sepang first joined the Formula 1 calendar in 1999 and quickly became one of the championship's most popular circuits, known for its fast layout, unpredictable weather, and memorable races. The circuit last hosted Formula 1 in 2017 before being dropped from the calendar due to rising hosting costs and declining attendance.
With Formula 1 returning after nearly a decade, the October event is expected to attract thousands of local and international fans, while providing a major boost for Malaysia's tourism and motorsport industries.
Malaysia