FIA confirms Bahrain Grand Prix relocation to Malaysia amid Middle East uncertainty

Formula 1 has confirmed that the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will be relocated to Malaysia, with the Sepang International Circuit set to host the event from 2–4 October following ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East.

The FIA and Formula One Management (FOM) have confirmed that the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will be relocated to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, with the event scheduled to take place from 2–4 October.

The decision, announced during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, follows months of contingency planning as Formula 1 assessed how best to respond to continued uncertainty surrounding events in the Middle East while maintaining the integrity of the 2026 World Championship calendar.

Rather than removing the Bahrain Grand Prix from the calendar altogether, Formula 1 has elected to preserve the event by staging it at Sepang, ensuring the championship retains its planned number of races.

The Sepang International Circuit, which last hosted Formula 1 in 2017, returns to the championship for the first time in nine years. The circuit has long been regarded as one of the sport's favourite venues and was viewed as a strong contingency option due to its Grade One FIA licence, modern infrastructure and logistical position within Formula 1's flyaway schedule.

Malaysia had emerged as a leading alternative in recent weeks, with reports suggesting discussions had taken place between Formula 1 and the Malaysian government regarding the possibility of hosting the relocated Bahrain Grand Prix. Those discussions have now culminated in an agreement that will see Sepang stage the event in early October.

The announcement brings an end to weeks of speculation, with several possible outcomes understood to have been considered before a final decision was reached.

Among the contingency plans reportedly discussed were a second race weekend in Las Vegas, reducing the championship to 21 races if no suitable replacement could be found, or a return to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Ultimately, Formula 1 opted to relocate the Bahrain Grand Prix rather than replace it or reduce the number of races on the calendar.

Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali previously acknowledged that alternative plans had been developed in case the calendar required changes.

“As with Covid, we have to try to be as pragmatic as possible.” Domenicali also admitted that finding replacement dates would prove extremely difficult given the demands of the current Formula 1 calendar.

"To be transparent, I think rescheduling both is impossible. And even rescheduling just one won't be easy. There aren't many available slots." The FIA has consistently maintained that the safety of competitors, officials and spectators would remain the governing body's highest priority when determining the future of any event.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem previously said: "Safety and wellbeing will guide our decisions."

Meanwhile, teams acknowledged the challenges posed by any potential calendar changes, with Zak Brown stressing that the wider circumstances outweighed any financial implications, noting, “given what's going on, we're not bothered if it does have a little bit of a financial impact."

What happens next?

With the relocation now confirmed, Formula 1's attention turns to the logistical challenge of preparing Sepang to host a World Championship event for the first time since 2017. Teams, suppliers and officials will now begin adapting their travel and freight plans ahead of the October race weekend.

The decision ensures the championship calendar remains intact while allowing Formula 1 to respond to the ongoing situation in the Middle East without compromising the safety of competitors, officials and fans.

Sepang's return also marks the first Formula 1 race in Malaysia since 2017, bringing one of the sport's most popular modern circuits back onto the calendar under unique circumstances.