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Malaysia steps in to replace postponed Bahrain GP
The Formula 1 calendar takes an unexpected turn as the iconic Sepang circuit in Malaysia prepares to host a replacement race in October for the postponed Bahrain Grand Prix.
By Sanne Vermeer - 2026-07-25T13:09:48.000Z - 3 min read
The Formula 1 calendar undergoes an unexpected change as Malaysia's iconic Sepang circuit prepares for a return. In October, the track near Kuala Lumpur will host a Grand Prix serving as a replacement for the Bahrain race postponed earlier this season. This marks Sepang's return to the Formula 1 schedule for the first time since 2017.
The original Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled for April, had to be cancelled due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. The conflict, triggered following actions by the US and Israel against Iran, made it impossible to guarantee the safety and logistics of racing in the region. Although F1 initially hoped to reschedule Bahrain for later in October, approaching logistical deadlines and the lack of an end to hostilities forced organizers to find an alternative solution.
The race in Malaysia is scheduled for October 2 to 4, placing it exactly one week before the Singapore Grand Prix. The event will be officially presented as the Bahrain Grand Prix, but held on Malaysian soil. This shift creates a tight schedule for teams, featuring three consecutive race weekends: first Azerbaijan, then Malaysia, and immediately following, Singapore.
Although Sepang's return has largely been arranged by Formula 1, formal approval from the FIA, motorsport's governing body, is still pending. Nevertheless, an official announcement is expected soon, possibly as early as this coming Sunday. Final details are presumably being wrapped up behind the scenes.
The uncertain situation in the Middle East also casts a shadow over the season's final two races, in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, scheduled for late November and early December. A final decision on these events does not need to be made until September. However, several alternative locations are already being considered should the regional situation fail to improve.
The most likely candidate to step in as a potential season finale is the Imola circuit in Italy. This historic venue hosted the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix between 2020 and 2025 and was previously a staple on the Formula 1 calendar from 1980 to 2006. Less likely, but still on the shortlist, are Portimão in Portugal and Istanbul Park in Turkey. However, both tracks must still complete substantial construction work ahead of their planned return next year, making a December race extra complex.
Cancelling all four Middle Eastern races (Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi) would reduce the original 24-race calendar to just 20. Formula 1, however, aims to host at least 21 Grands Prix. A lower number would trigger contractual clauses requiring the sport to potentially refund fees to broadcasters and possibly teams reliant on sponsor budgets.