Bahrain GP lands in Malaysia: Sepang braces for F1 weekend like no other

After almost a decade away, Formula 1 returns to Malaysia this weekend, but not as the traditional Malaysian Grand Prix. Instead, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026, from October 2 to 4. This decision was made after Formula 1, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain agreed to the change in July.

The timing is quite intriguing, as SIC is known for hosting unpredictable races with dramatic weather and memorable championship moments. With the Malaysian GP dropped from the F1 calendar after the 2017 season, the sport has experienced a surge in popularity since the release of Netflix's Drive to Survive series in 2019, and ticket sales for the October 2-4 race weekend already exceed 95,000 three-day passes, targeting the 100,000 mark.

The circuit's long straights and fast-flowing middle section will challenge the cars and drivers, while the possibility of rain and haze adds further complexity. Only ten drivers on the current grid have raced at the circuit before, giving experienced drivers like Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen valuable insights.

Newcomer Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes will look to retake the podium after a poor weekend in Azerbaijan, while reigning world champion Lando Norris will make his first competitive start at Sepang. Bahrain's chief executive Sheikh Salman Isa Al Khalifa promises fans an immersive cultural experience as the Kingdom showcases its Grand Prix event in Malaysia.