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Malaysia to host Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang after Sakhir race cancellation

The Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix will be staged at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit in October after the original race in Sakhir was cancelled due to unrest in the Middle East, Formula One announced.

TAS News Service

info@thearabianstories.com

Sunday, July 26, 2026

Kuala Lumpur: The Bahrain Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April 10-12 at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir as the fourth round of the 2026 Formula One season, was cancelled following regional unrest. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah, due to take place the following week, was also scrapped.

Formula One confirmed that the Bahrain Grand Prix will instead be held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia from October 2-4, fitting into the calendar between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix. The remainder of the 2026 Formula One schedule remains unchanged.

The revised arrangement was agreed upon by Formula One, the FIA, the Government of Bahrain and the Government of Malaysia, ensuring the championship retains a race that would otherwise have been lost from the calendar.

Sepang, which first hosted a Formula One race in 1999, is regarded as one of the sport’s most demanding circuits, known for its high-speed layout, unpredictable tropical weather and enthusiastic fan base.

Formula One President and Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali welcomed the agreement, saying the championship had once again demonstrated its ability to adapt to challenging circumstances while ensuring fans could enjoy a full racing calendar.

“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 One,” Domenicali said.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the agreement reflected strong cooperation between all parties involved.

“I am incredibly proud of the collaboration that will enable Malaysia to host the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at the iconic Sepang circuit later this year,” he said.

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