Almost 10 years after the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit (SIC) last had a Formula 1 race, the event will return this October. However, it will not be known as the Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix as the circuit will be used as a substitute venue for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
Tensions in the Persian Gulf area make it risky to hold the race in Bahrain so the decision has been made to shift the race to Malaysia. In fact, the Bahrain round had been scheduled for April in the original 2026 calendar, but was postponed as the war was ongoing.
16th of 24 rounds in 2026
The race will be held from October 2 to 4 between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix. It is the 16th of 24 rounds for the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship. The remaining dates on the 2026 schedule will stay unchanged and no other venues have been changed yet.
The last two rounds are scheduled to be held in Qatar on November 30 and Abu Dhabi on December 6. Hopefully, the conflict in the region will have ended by then.
The decision to switch to SIC from the Bahrain F1 circuit was reached following joint discussions with various parties, including KDYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim and Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Safety is the primary focus
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stressed that the safety and wellbeing of teams, officials, volunteers, and spectators remained the primary focus during negotiations, thanking the leadership of both nations for facilitating international cooperation to secure the event’s inclusion.
Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa noted that hosting the Bahrain round in Malaysia highlights the bilateral relationship between the two nations, adding that the arrangement helps ensure continuity for the championship schedule amid regional challenges.
Close relationship of two nations
“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 are honoured to support the Kingdom of Bahrain, Formula 1 and the FIA in hosting the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit this year,” said Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The 2026 F1 season
The 2026 season represents one of the most significant resets in the history of Formula 1, characterized by radical regulation changes and the arrival of new automotive giants. The 2026 cars are designed to be smaller, lighter, and more agile than their predecessors. The wheelbase has been shortened by 200 mm and the width reduced by 100 mm, while the minimum weight has dropped to 770 kgs.
A major shift in aerodynamics sees the traditional Drag Reduction System replaced by Active Aero. This system allows drivers to toggle between a high-downforce ‘Z-Mode’ for cornering and a low-drag ‘X-Mode’ for straights. New power units feature a nearly 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power, running on 100% advanced sustainable fuels.
The grid has expanded to 22 cars for the first time in a decade. Audi made its highly anticipated debut as a full works team after completing its takeover of Sauber, with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto as drivers. Cadillac, a General Motors brand, also joins the sport with an experienced pairing of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.
