Formula 1 returns to Malaysia for emergency Bahrain Grand Prix

Formula 1 is returning to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia after a nine-year hiatus to host an emergency Bahrain Grand Prix. The event is scheduled to take place over the race weekend of October 2-4, 2026, marking a unique return to the demanding circuit known for its long straights and fast corners.

Qualifying sessions for the race will be held on Saturday, October 3, at 10:45. On Sunday, October 4, the broadcast begins at 09:00 with the Formula 1 Pre-Race Show hosted by Frixos Masouras and Dimitris Giokkas, followed by the exclusive live coverage of the Bahrain Grand Prix at 09:45 on Omega Channel. This emergency relocation marks a historic moment as the Sepang track fills in to host the Bahrain race.

The choice of Sepang as a replacement venue highlights the track's continued capability to handle elite motorsport despite being absent from the championship calendar since 2017. Organizers emphasize that the circuit's technical layout requires high precision from drivers to manage the challenging track conditions effectively throughout the race weekend.