From Sakhir to Sepang

The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix travels to Malaysia this month, turning an unusual change of venue into a celebration of friendship between two nations.

From October 2-4, the Sepang International Circuit will stage the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Bahrain’s race name and identity will travel to a circuit that has been absent from the Formula 1 calendar since 2017. The original April event in Sakhir could not go ahead because of the regional situation, until agreement involving both governments, Formula 1 and the FIA has kept the Grand Prix on the 2026 calendar.

For fans, Sepang promises a different kind of Bahrain race weekend. The 5.543km circuit combines long straights with sweeping corners and heavy braking zones, while tropical heat and sudden rain can upset even the most carefully prepared strategy. Max Verstappen won the last Formula 1 race there in 2017. This time, the current generation of cars will take on the Malaysian venue under the Bahrain Grand Prix banner.

A Shared Occasion
Malaysia’s Ambassador to Bahrain, H.E. Dato’ Shazryll Zahiran, sees the event as an expression of a relationship that reaches beyond sport. He says: “Malaysia is honoured and thrilled to host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. Under the visionary leadership and fraternal friendship of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, this historic collaboration stands as a powerful testament to the deep ties and trust shared between our two nations.

“I am immensely excited to witness this moment first-hand, especially as it coincides with Gulf Air launching direct flights between Manama and Kuala Lumpur on September 29. This direct link creates a true win-win partnership for both countries, generating significant economic energy, unlocking tourism and bringing our people closer than ever.

“With 90-day visa-free entry for Bahraini citizens, I warmly welcome all motorsport fans, families and travellers from Bahrain to join us in Sepang for an extraordinary race weekend and an unforgettable experience in Malaysia.”

There will be more to the weekend than the Grand Prix itself. Bahrain International Circuit and Sepang International Circuit have planned a fan zone and family entertainment, while Formula Trophy Malaysia will offer a glimpse of emerging single-seater talent. Concerts are also on the programme, giving visitors the atmosphere of a major sporting festival alongside the racing. It is a chance for Bahrain to share its Grand Prix spirit with a Malaysian crowd and visitors from further afield.

Back to Sakhir
The next Bahrain Grand Prix is already on the calendar at home. Bahrain International Circuit will host pre-season testing from February 24-27, 2027, before staging the opening round of the championship from March 12-14. The race weekend will also bring Bahrain its first Formula 1 Sprint Race, adding another competitive session to the homecoming.

Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of Bahrain International Circuit, says: “It’s a great honour for us to be hosting both pre-season testing and the season opening race in 2027, which will incorporate our first ever Sprint Race weekend. As we plan the final stages of this year’s Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, we also look ahead to the return of F1 to BIC, The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East.

“It will be a celebratory homecoming and a weekend of incredible entertainment on and off the track, welcoming our expectant fans from Bahrain and across the world.”

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