F1 adds new race to the 2026 calendar as the Bahrain GP moves to Malaysia

As GPblog reported yesterday, the circuit near Kuala Lumpur will step in to host the Bahrain Grand Prix this season during the first weekend of October, between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix.

The competition originally aimed to host that event in Bahrain, but due to the further escalation of the conflict between the United States and Iran in the region, that plan had to be scrapped.

The Sepang International Circuit is happy to step in, but does not have the funds to bring Formula 1 back to Malaysia for the first time since 2017. As a result, the race will still be called the Bahrain Grand Prix, as the Middle Eastern country will finance the event. This event will be a one-off.

The Grand Prix's official name, once the final agreements and official sign-off are in place, will be the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.

Formula 1's CEO Stefano Domenicali said, "We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026. We have all shown once again that Formula 1 can adapt, find solutions and deliver results and give a great surprise to everyone following our sport."

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said, "I am incredibly proud of the collaboration that will enable Malaysia to host the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at the iconic Sepang International circuit later this year. 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."

During the announcement, the fate of the final two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi was not mentioned. Formula 1 wants to delay making a final decision for as long as possible.

GPblog understands that the Imola circuit in Italy is among the leading candidates to host a season finale if needed. The track featured on the Formula 1 calendar from 2020 to 2025, although the 2023 edition had to be cancelled due to flooding in the region.