Motor racing’s Formula 1 (F1) has announced Malaysia will host a Grand Prix (GP) in October in place of Bahrain, after the latter country's race was cancelled earlier this season due to conflict in the Middle East.
The Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled in April, with F1 organizers originally hoping to simply reschedule the two races for later in the 2026 calendar.
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However, due to the continuation of regional conflict, Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit has stepped in as host for the Bahrain GP, which will keep its moniker and still be funded by the Gulf state.
The event, running from October 2 to 4, slots in between races in Baku and Singapore, meaning F1 teams will compete in back-to-back races for three weekends.
The change of host still needs to be ratified by the World Motor Sport Council, but this is seen as a mere formality.
F1 president Stefano Domenicali has 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 F1.”
The race will be the first time in a decade that Malaysia will host a GP, having staged the Malaysian GP between 1999 and 2017 before dropping off the F1 calendar.
Malaysia and Bahrain have strong political ties, and the choice of host was influenced by Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who has been a driving force for F1 and the Bahrain GP since its launch in 2004.
Bahrain’s sovereign investment fund is also the owner of the McLaren F1 team, winners of the 2025 drivers and constructors’ championships.
Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim added: “This collaboration is more than the staging of a world-class sporting event. It reflects the enduring friendship, mutual trust, and close partnership between Malaysia and the Kingdom of Bahrain, while reaffirming Malaysia’s readiness and capability to host major international events.
“We look forward to showcasing our world-class infrastructure, operational excellence, and warm hospitality, while further strengthening the bonds between our two nations through this special occasion.”
The addition will see the 2026 schedule increase to 23 races; however, questions remain over whether the final two rounds of the season in Qatar (November 27 to 29) and Abu Dhabi (December 4 to 6) will go ahead due to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
In its statement announcing Malaysia’s hosting contract, F1 said: “The rest of the schedule remains unchanged.”
F1 will be looking to host at least 21 races this season due to contract clauses stipulating that the series must pay back rights fees to broadcasters, should it fall below that figure. Team sponsorship fees could also be affected due to similar terms.
It is understood F1 is working on securing alternative hosts for the two final rounds if they cannot be staged in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, with F1 organizers having until September to decide if the races can go ahead.
Italy’s Imola circuit has been cited as a potential host, while Portugal and Turkey, which are scheduled to return to the F1 calendar in 2027, are also in the mix.
Meanwhile, F1 parent company Liberty Media, promoter of the Las Vegas GP, has agreed to a multimillion-dollar settlement to end a class-action lawsuit brought by spectators of the inaugural race there in 2023.
The first practice session of the Las Vegas GP, which started at midnight on November 16, 2023, was stopped after nine minutes when driver Carlos Sainz Jr. drove over a water valve cover on Las Vegas Boulevard and damaged his Ferrari.
The session did not resume until 2.30 am, with fans sent home before the 90-minute session took place due to logistical issues. The session eventually finished at around 4 am.
The class action suit was filed by spectators seeking partial refunds for their tickets, with the plaintiffs alleging breach of contract and claiming that “their admission to the race viewing areas was wrongfully revoked without a refund before the FP2 Free Practice Session could begin.”
Under the settlement, Liberty Media and the Las Vegas Grand Prix will pay $3,047,986 without admitting fault. A final approval hearing is scheduled for November 4 at the US District Court of Nevada.
Individuals who bought Thursday-only tickets or three-day tickets for the event are eligible to receive compensation. Claims need to be submitted by August 27, 2026.
In a statement, Las Vegas GP commented: “We’re pleased this matter has reached a fair resolution for fans and provides a path forward. Our focus remains on the upcoming Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix 2026 and delivering a world-class experience for our fans.
“Individuals seeking additional information should refer directly to the official settlement website or the contact information included in the notice materials.”
The Las Vegas GP will feature on the F1 calendar until at least 2037, having secured a 10-year hosting extension last month.
This year's edition will take place on November 22.
