BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia will return to the Formula 1 calendar for the first time since 2017 by hosting a one-off Bahrain Grand Prix in October after the Gulf state's race was cancelled because of the conflict in the Middle East.
A man takes pictures of a Formula One replica car hanging at the main entrance of the shopping mall inside the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur on May 19, 2026. (File photo: AFP)
Formula 1 announced on Sunday that Sepang International Circuit, near Kuala Lumpur, will stage the Bahrain Grand Prix on October 4, one week before the Singapore Grand Prix, allowing the championship to maintain a 23-race calendar.
The race will be officially titled the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, reflecting Bahrain's financial backing of the event despite it being held around 6,000 kilometres from Bahrain.
"The arrangement means we will deliver 23 races for the 2026 season, and the rest of the schedule remains unchanged," Formula 1 said in a statement.
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, originally scheduled for April, were called off in March because of the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. While hopes of Bahrain returning later in the year faded as regional tensions continued, Formula 1 sought an alternative venue to fill the vacant October slot.
Following discussions involving Formula 1, the FIA and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia, an agreement was reached for Sepang to host the race, with Bahrain helping cover much of the hosting costs.
The arrangement was heavily influenced by Bahrain Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who has championed the country's Formula 1 project since Bahrain joined the championship in 2004. Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund is also the majority owner of the McLaren Formula 1 team.
Formula 1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali said the agreement demonstrated the sport's ability to respond to unforeseen circumstances.
"We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026," Domenicali said. "Once again, the sport has demonstrated its ability to adapt, find solutions, and deliver, creating an exciting moment for everyone who follows Formula 1."
He thanked Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim and both governments for making the agreement possible.
"Malaysia is an incredible country, and Sepang holds a special place in Formula 1 history," Domenicali added. "It will provide a spectacular setting for racing and an unforgettable experience for fans at the circuit and watching around the world."
Sepang hosted Formula 1 from 1999 through 2017 before dropping off the calendar because of rising hosting costs, despite remaining one of the sport's most popular circuits among drivers and fans.
The race still requires formal approval from the FIA World Motor Sport Council, although that is expected to be a procedural step.
While the Malaysia agreement resolves one gap in the calendar, uncertainty remains over the season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi because of the continuing regional conflict.
Formula 1 is working on contingency plans should either event prove impossible to stage. A final decision is not expected until September, with Italy's Imola considered the leading replacement venue.
Portugal's Portimao and Turkey's Istanbul Park are also under consideration, although both face logistical challenges because of ongoing construction work ahead of their planned returns to the calendar next year.
Formula 1 is keen to stage at least 21 races this season, as falling below that threshold could trigger contractual clauses requiring refunds to broadcasters and potentially affecting sponsorship agreements with teams.