The move still needs approval from the World Motor Sport Council and is subject to final agreements and official sign-off, but F1 and the FIA have reached an agreement between the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia to preserve the Grand Prix. It was previously scheduled to take place on 12 April, but was cancelled a month beforehand due to the Iran war.
They have also confirmed that the rest of this season’s schedule remains unchanged. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was scheduled for a week after the Bahrain race this spring, but was cancelled for the same reason and has yet to be rescheduled.
F1 chief executive and president Stefano Domenicali said: “We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026. 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 continued: “Most importantly, this is fantastic news for our fans. They will continue to enjoy a full and exciting Formula 1 calendar, while also seeing the sport return to a great venue.
“Malaysia is an incredible country, and Sepang holds a special place in Formula 1 history. It will provide a spectacular setting for racing and an unforgettable experience for fans at the circuit and watching around the world.”
Sepang has not hosted a race weekend since the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix, almost a decade ago. The track had hosted an F1 race for 19 consecutive years since its first in 1999, until its contract expired, when the Russian Grand Prix replaced it.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “I am incredibly proud of the collaboration that will enable Malaysia to host the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at the iconic Sepang circuit later this year. Throughout this process, the FIA, Formula One Management, and our partners in Bahrain have worked tirelessly to explore every option, with the safety and well-being of the teams, volunteers, officials, our colleagues, and fans remaining our highest priority.
“Malaysia has long held an important place in the history of Formula 1, and the return of the Championship to Sepang is a testament to our close relationship with the Motorsports Association of Malaysia, the continued commitment of the Malaysian Government, and the strength of international cooperation within our sport.
“My sincere thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain, for their vision and support in making this possible. We look forward to welcoming the global motorsport community back to Sepang.”