Formula One has announced a significant change to its 2026 calendar after organisers were forced to rethink plans because of ongoing instability in the Middle East. The race originally scheduled to be held in Bahrain will instead take place at the Sepang International Circuit, near Kuala Lumpur, on 4 October 2026.
Why the change was needed
Organisers said continued uncertainty across the region made it untenable to host the event in Bahrain on the original date. The round was first due to happen in April but was postponed amid concerns arising from the US–Iran conflict. With the situation unresolved, F1 chiefs have opted to relocate the meeting rather than cancel it.
Arrangement and branding
In an unusual arrangement, the Gulf Kingdom will underwrite the race in Malaysia and the fixture will retain the Bahrain Grand Prix name despite taking place roughly 3,700 miles from the Sakhir circuit. The replacement event will be slotted into the autumn sequence, running between the races in Azerbaijan (26 September) and Singapore (11 October).
“We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026,” said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. “Once again, the sport has demonstrated its ability to adapt, find solutions, and deliver, creating an exciting moment for everyone who follows Formula One.”
The shift restores Sepang to the calendar for the first time since 2017 and marks a rare instance of a race being staged in one country while carrying the name of another.
Wider calendar impact
The fallout from the regional instability has wider consequences: the Saudi Arabian round, which had been pencilled in for 19 April, will not feature on the 2026 schedule at all. The season is currently due to finish with events in Qatar on 29 November and Abu Dhabi a week later, although both of those fixtures remain subject to review.
F1 officials have indicated contingency plans are in place should additional venues become unavailable: among options discussed is Imola stepping in to replace Qatar on the same weekend if necessary.
- New host: Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia
- Official name: Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
- Date: 4 October 2026
| Original plan | Revised plan |
|---|---|
| Bahrain Grand Prix at Sakhir – originally 12 April (postponed) | Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia – Sepang, 4 October 2026 |
The decision underscores the logistics challenges facing global sport when geopolitical risks disrupt established schedules. For fans and teams it will mean revised travel arrangements and commercial adjustments, while Sepang prepares to host a top-tier event once more.
InfoRadar will monitor further announcements from Formula One Management and the national promoters concerning ticketing, transport and broadcast arrangements for the relocated round.
