Bahrain Grand Prix Relocates to Malaysia—3,750 Miles from Home

Formula 1 fans are used to geographically questionable race names, but this one takes the cake. The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will actually be held at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, some 3,750 miles away from the island kingdom. F1 and the FIA made the announcement Sunday, confirming the race will run on October 4 at the former home of the Malaysian Grand Prix. The official title? The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.

The move required sign-off from F1, the FIA, and the governments of both Bahrain and Malaysia. Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, called it a “wonderful experience for fans” and said Bahrain remains “a pillar of stability for Formula 1” amid ongoing regional challenges. The original April 12 date in Bahrain was scrapped in March, and with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix also canceled, F1 took an impromptu spring break. The relocated race fills the gap caused by regional instability.

Malaysia is footing only a $3.5 million bill to repair and upgrade Sepang to current F1 standards, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Bahrain, which normally pays an estimated $52 million annually for its race slot, will cover most of the organizing costs. Malaysia last hosted F1 in 2017 after falling behind on escalating fees.

This isn’t charity. Bahrain needs to keep its place on the calendar, and with France and Germany out and Spa-Francorchamps on a rotational deal, a strong one-off showing in Malaysia could help secure the island’s long-term future in the sport. The deal ensures Bahrain’s presence isn’t lost—even if it’s thousands of miles away.