Why is the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix taking place in Malaysia?

The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will take place in Malaysia instead of Bahrain, due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. The event, officially named the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, is scheduled to be held at the Sepang International Circuit near Kuala Lumpur from 2-4 October. The race is part of the Formula 1 calendar, with a total of 21 races.

The decision to move the race was made in response to the conflict in the Middle East, particularly the attacks on Bahrain, which affected its fuel facilities and air traffic. While the original race in April 2026 was cancelled, plans for a replacement event began in July 2026. Sepang was chosen as the host circuit due to its proximity to the races in Azerbaijan and Singapore, creating a back-to-back triple-header.

Despite being called the Bahrain Grand Prix, the event remains hosted and sponsored by Bahrain, with Gulf Air as the title sponsor. The race will be run over 56 laps, covering a total distance of 310.418 kilometers. The return of the Grand Prix to Sepang after a nine-year absence has been well-received by fans and teams alike.