Overview
- The FIA and Formula One Management confirmed on Sunday that Sepang International Circuit will stage the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix from October 2–4, 2026.
- The race will keep Bahrain’s name and Gulf Air title while the arrangement remains subject to final contracts and formal approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
- Organisers moved the event after Gulf rounds were cancelled earlier in the year because of the war in the Middle East, and the status of Qatar and Abu Dhabi at the season end is still uncertain.
- Placing the race at Sepang creates a Baku–Sepang–Singapore triple‑header that tightens freight and team logistics, has prompted Sepang to close for F1 preparations and will see Bahrain underwrite a large share of the relocation costs.
- Sepang returns to F1 for the first time since 2017 because it retains FIA Grade‑1 certification, and the one‑off race could boost local tourism while leaving organisers to consider backup venues such as Imola or Portimão if further Gulf rounds cannot go ahead.