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Formula 1 will stage the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia after recent Iran strikes and the resulting regional security concerns forced the race out of Bahrain, Formula 1 and the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) confirmed on Sunday.
The Bahrain Grand Prix had already been postponed from its original April slot because of the Middle East conflict, with Formula 1 later leaving the event without a confirmed replacement date as security concerns persisted.
Sunday's announcement confirms the race will instead be held at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit on Oct. 2-4. Pending final agreements and approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, it will officially be known as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
The rest of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar remains unchanged.
Formula 1 said the agreement with the FIA and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia preserves a race that otherwise would have been canceled, allowing the championship to keep its full 2026 calendar intact. Ticket details will be announced at a later date.
Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa described the move as a reflection of the close ties between Bahrain and Malaysia and the kingdom's long-standing commitment to Formula 1, which first raced there in 2004.
"This will be a wonderful experience for fans around the world and reflects Bahrain's enduring commitment to, and passion for, the sport," he said.
He also called Bahrain "a pillar of stability for Formula 1" despite ongoing regional challenges and thanked the FIA, Formula 1, Bahrain International Circuit, Sepang International Circuit and the teams for helping make the event possible.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed Formula 1's return to Sepang, calling the race a symbol of the close partnership between the two countries.
"This collaboration is more than the staging of a world-class sporting event. It reflects the enduring friendship, mutual trust and close partnership between Malaysia and the Kingdom of Bahrain," he said.
He added that Malaysia was ready to welcome Formula 1, the FIA, teams and fans back to Sepang while showcasing the country's world-class infrastructure and hospitality.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said safety remained the highest priority throughout discussions over the venue switch and praised the cooperation between Formula 1, Bahrain and Malaysia in finding a solution.
He described Sepang as an important part of Formula 1 history and said the championship's return highlighted the strong relationship between the FIA, Malaysian authorities and the country's motorsport community.
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said the decision demonstrated the sport's ability to find solutions under difficult circumstances while preserving the full championship schedule.
"We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026," Domenicali said. "Malaysia is an incredible country, and Sepang holds a special place in Formula 1 history."
The Bahrain Grand Prix will mark Formula 1's first race at Sepang International Circuit since 2017, when the Malaysian Grand Prix dropped off the calendar after years of declining attendance and rising hosting costs.
Sepang hosted Formula 1 from 1999 to 2017 and became one of the championship's most recognizable venues, known for its fast layout, tropical heat and unpredictable rain. The circuit staged 19 Malaysian Grands Prix, with Michael Schumacher holding the record for five victories.
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