Overview
- Formula 1 and the FIA announced on Sunday that the Sepang International Circuit will stage the Bahrain Grand Prix on 4 October under the official name "Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia."
- The move raises the 2026 calendar to 23 races and follows the April cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix because of conflict in the Gulf region.
- The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has been definitively canceled for 2026 and Liberty Media says it will take more time to decide whether Qatar and Abu Dhabi can be held at season end.
- Imola is among the European venues being discussed as a possible replacement for the Qatar–Abu Dhabi double, but a final decision on the season finale is not expected before October.
- Sepang’s selection eased logistics for teams because it lies close to Singapore, and the return taps Sepang’s F1 history while protecting revenue and broadcast commitments for teams, sponsors and organisers.