It’s official, racing fans: The 2026 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix is back, and it will be taking place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Race weekend is scheduled for October 2 to 4, 2026, after it was initially axed in April earlier this year.
Tensions in the Middle East forced the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races, as the rest of the season continued. And only recently did Formula 1, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), and the respective governments of Bahrain and Malaysia agree to revive this particular race.
The FIA and Formula 1 then confirmed the remaining 2026 races would go on, but there was no mention of a replacement venue for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The Hungarian leg of the tournament just concluded as teams are now preparing for the Netherlands.
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The last time a Formula 1 race was held in Sepang was in 2017, when Max Verstappen took the top spot with Red Bull Racing. Since then, the Formula 1 landscape has shifted dramatically with new rules, teams, and drivers.
If you wanted to feel an ache in your bones, you should know that Sepang opened in 1999— almost seven years before current season leader Kimi Antonelli was born. It will be interesting to see how the younger drivers absorb Sepang, while seasoned veterans will try to leverage their familiarity with the historic track. As for us Filipinos, Malaysia is easy to go to, so you might want to book your tickets as early as now if you plan on going.
