F1 Returns To Malaysia After 9 Years; Will Host The Bahrain GP
The original F1 schedule included 24 races, however the ones in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled due to the conflict.
Xtra Time Newsdesk: The Bahrain Grand Prix, which was cancelled in April owing to the Middle East conflict, will now be contested in Malaysia in early October, Formula One organisers confirmed on Sunday. The joint statement says, "Formula 1 and the FIA can confirm that Malaysia will host the... Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit from October 2-4, 2026".
The original F1 schedule included 24 races, however the ones in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled due to the conflict. Future events in adjacent Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain uncertain. An F1 race will be held at Sepang for the first time since 2017 but this time it will be called, "Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia".
Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali said, "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."
The season's conclusion remains uncertain, with the final two rounds scheduled for November 29 and December 6 in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, respectively.
These two races might be cancelled, and numerous replacement possibilities are being considered, including conducting two consecutive Grands Prix in Las Vegas at the end of November, as well as one or two last races in Europe.
In that event, multiple paddock insiders have informed AFP that the Imola (Italy) and Portimao (Portugal) circuits are the most likely choices.
No final decision on the remaining two rounds in the Gulf is likely until late September or early October, with officials preferring to wait and see how the situation unfolds.