Malaysia to host rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix amid regional security concerns
The rescheduled race, originally cancelled due to the US-Israel war on Iran, will be branded as the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia under a new multilateral agreement.
Formula One has confirmed that Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit will host the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix on 4 October 2026. The decision follows the cancellation of the original April race in Sakhir and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah, which were called off due to the US-Israel war on Iran and subsequent regional spillover.
The event will be officially designated the “Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia” pursuant to an agreement signed by the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain, the FIA, and Formula One. Formula One Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali confirmed the arrangement at the Hungarian Grand Prix, stating that the addition restores the championship calendar to 23 races.
The race is scheduled to slot in between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on 26 September and the Singapore Grand Prix on 11 October. The Sepang circuit, which last hosted Formula One in 2017 and currently serves as a MotoGP fixture, will provide the venue for the event.
Domenicali described the announcement as “fantastic news for our fans,” noting that Sepang holds a special place in the sport’s history. He emphasised that the agreement ensures fans would continue to enjoy a full calendar while allowing the sport to return to a significant venue.
The rescheduling comes against a backdrop of heightened security concerns in the Middle East. Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, has previously been targeted by Iranian missiles and drones. The Grand Prix is the kingdom’s largest annual sporting event and is utilised to promote the country internationally, with its sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat, owning Formula One champions McLaren.
While the calendar is now complete with 23 races, uncertainty remains regarding the final two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Informed sources at the Hungaroring indicated that Italy’s Imola is being considered as a potential replacement finale should those Middle Eastern events be cancelled.
Precedents exist for one nation hosting a race branded under another country’s name, including Germany’s Nurburgring hosting the Luxembourg Grand Prix and Imola hosting the San Marino Grand Prix. The event remains subject to final approval by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council.
