Formula 1 has confirmed that the Sepang International Circuit will return to the calendar later this year.
Malaysia will host the postponed Bahrain Grand Prix at the famous circuit.
The race will run from October 2-4.
The event will officially carry the name Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Formula 1 postponed the original Bahrain race earlier this season because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
However, the revised schedule still needs final agreements and approval from the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
Sepang returns to the F1 calendar
Sepang last hosted a Formula 1 race in 2017.
The circuit then dropped off the F1 calendar.
Its return means Sepang will host an F1 weekend for the first time in nine years.
The race will take place between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and the Singapore Grand Prix.
As a result, Formula 1 will face a triple-header across three consecutive weekends.
The change also brings the 2026 F1 calendar back to 23 races.
Earlier, the sport postponed the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Now, Malaysia will fill the vacant weekend and bring Formula 1 back to Sepang.
The return also gives fans another chance to watch racing at one of the sport’s historic venues.
Domenicali and Ben Sulayem welcome decision
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali welcomed the announcement.
He thanked everyone who helped organise the revised event.
“We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026. Once again, the sport has demonstrated its ability to adapt, find solutions, and deliver, creating an exciting moment for everyone who follows Formula 1.”
Domenicali also highlighted the importance of the decision for fans.
He added: “Most importantly, this is fantastic news for our fans. They will continue to enjoy a full and exciting Formula 1 calendar, while also seeing the sport return to a great venue. Malaysia is an incredible country, and Sepang holds a special place in Formula 1 history.
“It will provide a spectacular setting for racing and an unforgettable experience for fans at the circuit and watching around the world.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also welcomed the decision.
The governing body worked closely with Formula 1, Bahrain and Malaysia throughout the process.
Ben Sulayem said safety remained the top priority.
“Throughout this process, the FIA, Formula One Management, and our partners in Bahrain have worked tirelessly to explore every option, with the safety and wellbeing of the teams, volunteers, officials, our colleagues, and fans remaining our highest priority.
“My sincere thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain, for their vision and support in making this possible. We look forward to welcoming the global motorsport community back to Sepang.”
The Sepang return now adds another major event to the 2026 Formula 1 schedule.
It also creates an unusual run of three races in three weekends.
For F1 fans, the October trip to Malaysia will mark the circuit’s long-awaited return to the championship.
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