Bahrain relocates entire Grand Prix to Malaysia and goes all out

Upon arriving at the circuit, you’ll see signs reading “Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026” in large letters. In the F1 paddock, there are wooden benches with cushions and rugs, just like those found during testing and Grand Prix weekends in Bahrain. Strings of lights hang around the palm trees, there’s a shawarma stand, and a musician plays Arabic music on a string instrument.

The presence of staff from the Bahrain International Circuit also makes the connection clear. The organisation from Bahrain is fully financing the event and is providing catering, facilities, and entertainment, among other things. Sepang supplies the venue and collaborates on running the race weekend.

The race in Bahrain was originally scheduled for April. On March 14, Formula 1 and the FIA announced that the Grands Prix of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia could not take place that month due to the situation in the Middle East. Although alternatives were considered, no replacement race at another venue was arranged in April.

On July 26, an agreement was reached to hold the Bahrain GP after all. Not in the Middle East, where the situation was still unsafe, but at a completely different location: Malaysia. The race weekend was scheduled for October 2–4, slotted between the Grands Prix of Azerbaijan and Singapore. Formula 1, the FIA, and the governments of both countries made possible a race that otherwise could not have taken place.

Bahrain’s contribution goes beyond just the paddock decor. In total, 561 marshals and officials from the Bahrain Motor Federation, alongside staff from the Bahrain International Circuit, are supporting the race organisation. They are working with their Malaysian counterparts to make this special event happen.

Fans outside the paddock will also encounter Bahraini influences. The fan zone features a true “Bahrain Village” with music, cuisine, and crafts from the country. The program also reflects the location and international audience. The entertainment lineup includes Chinese acrobats and concerts by Axwell and Martin Garrix. Kuala Lumpur’s Club KYO KL is also hosting the official afterparty for the Bahrain International Circuit, featuring a set by DJ Y3LLO.

On Sunday, Bahrain’s traditions return to the podium as well. The Grand Prix trophy has been brought from Sakhir to Sepang, and the four cups have been specially engraved for this unique edition in Malaysia. The top three and the representative of the winning team will celebrate their result with traditional Bahraini rose water.

The Sepang International Circuit provides the venue this weekend, but Bahrain remains the organiser of the Grand Prix. The familiar paddock setup and podium traditions have come along, too. The unusual name “Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia” therefore fits perfectly: Bahrain is staging its own race on Malaysian soil.