Bahrain GP 2026

A Bahrain race, in a borrowed home

The Bahrain Grand Prix was removed from the 2026 calendar because of the ongoing conflict in the region, together with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Rather than lose the race, Bahrain worked with Formula 1, the FIA and Malaysia to stage it elsewhere later in the year.

The result was the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026: a Bahrain event in every respect except its location. Bahrain’s leadership thanked all parties for making it possible, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister said Bahrain remained committed to F1 despite the regional challenges.

📅 2–4 Oct 2026 Originally planned for April	🛡️ Name kept Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix
🏁 Race no. 23 Of the Bahrain Grand Prix	📍 Venue: Sepang Malaysia

What Stayed Bahraini

The race identity

Official name, round number and championship status all remained those of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Gulf Air

The national carrier stayed on as title partner of the event.

Bahraini culture

Bahrain's heritage, hospitality and identity were reflected throughout the Sepang weekend.

Bahraini personnel

Bahraini staff and organisers travelled to Sepang and worked alongside the local team to run the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Race vibes

The Bahrain atmosphere came with the race: its energy, spirit and fan culture on the Sepang weekend.

A global first

A national Grand Prix held abroad. The only close precedent is the Luxembourg GP, run at Germany's Nürburgring in 1997 and 1998.

Sepang International Circuit map

Sepang International Circuit venue map: track, grandstands, paddock and access roads.

About the host venue

Sepang International Circuit near Kuala Lumpur staged the Malaysian GP from 1999 to 2017. The 2026 race used its 5.543 km layout, its first F1 event there in nine years.