F1 returns to Sepang after nine years as Bahrain Grand Prix moves to Malaysia – racing starts on October 2

Formula 1 will return to Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4, marking the championship's first visit to the iconic Malaysian circuit since 2017.

The race will officially be known as the "Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026". Despite being held in Malaysia, it will retain the Bahrain Grand Prix name.

Why is the Bahrain Grand Prix moving to Malaysia?

Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply in late February 2026, followed by several attacks on energy and infrastructure facilities in Bahrain. The security situation subsequently affected the F1 calendar.

On March 14, the FIA confirmed that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix would not take place as scheduled in April.

F1, the FIA, Bahrain and Malaysia then began discussions on an alternative arrangement. In July, F1 confirmed that Sepang International Circuit would host the Bahrain round from October 2 to 4, between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix.

The move allows the Bahrain race to remain on the calendar while bringing F1 back to Sepang for the first time since 2017.

Why is it still called the Bahrain Grand Prix?

Although the race is being held in Malaysia, the official name remains "Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia".

According to publicly available information, Bahrain will cover the F1 hosting fee, while Sepang will handle local circuit preparations and event operations. The CEO of Sepang International Circuit has said that Bahrain will cover the full hosting fee, with Malaysia still responsible for part of the cost of preparing the circuit.

In practical terms, this is the Bahrain Grand Prix being relocated to Malaysia for 2026, rather than a new Malaysian Grand Prix.

Sepang: Nine years since the last F1 race

Located near Kuala Lumpur, Sepang International Circuit first hosted F1 in 1999. Its last F1 race was held in 2017, making this year's return a nine-year wait.

The circuit is 5.543km long and has 15 corners. The 2026 race will run for 56 laps, covering a total distance of 310.398km.

Sepang combines long straights with several high-speed corners. The tropical conditions add another challenge, with high temperatures, high humidity and the possibility of sudden rain all affecting tyre wear, driver fitness and race strategy.

Sepang has hosted some memorable F1 races over the years. Fernando Alonso won here in 2005, 2007 and 2012, while Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Räikkönen, Jenson Button and Daniel Ricciardo have also taken victory at the circuit.

The final F1 race at Sepang in 2017 was won by Max Verstappen.

Championship battle: Antonelli leads Russell by 66 points

With the 2026 season heading into its 16th round, Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell occupy the top two places in the drivers' championship.

After the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Antonelli leads with 302 points, while Russell has 236 points. Lewis Hamilton is third with 199 points.

Russell won in Baku, while Antonelli finished fifth, cutting Russell's deficit to 66 points.

With the championship battle entering the second half of the season, Sepang will be another chance for both Mercedes drivers to score valuable points.

Race schedule: No late nights for Hong Kong fans

Sepang and Hong Kong are both in the GMT+8 time zone, so Hong Kong fans will be able to watch the main F1 sessions during the day and early evening.

• October 2 (Friday): Practice 1 at 12:30 / Practice 2 at 16:00
• October 3 (Saturday): Practice 3 at 12:30 / Qualifying at 16:00
• October 4 (Sunday): Race at 15:00

All times are Hong Kong time. According to the official F1 schedule, the race will start at 3pm local time.

After nine years away, F1 is returning to Sepang. The 2026 race is an unusual one, with the Bahrain Grand Prix moving to Malaysia because of the situation in the Middle East.

For Hong Kong fans, the GMT+8 time zone means there is no need to stay up late for the race. Sepang is also within easy reach of Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Lumpur International Airport, making it a relatively convenient option for Asian fans looking to watch F1 at the circuit.

Sources: F1 official announcements, Bahrain International Circuit

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