Formula One Returns to Sepang Circuit in Malaysia After Nine Years

F1 is keen to host at least 21 races, because any less than that would activate contractual clauses that could see the sport have to pay rights fees back to broadcasters and may also mean the same for teams with sponsorship budgets. The arrangement between Bahrain and Malaysia was heavily influenced by Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The Bahrain race has been Prince Salman’s pet project since it made its debut in 2004. Bahrain’s sovereign investment fund is also the owner of the McLaren F1 team. F1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali said of the agreement between the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain as well as the governing FIA and Formula One: This is fantastic news for our fans. They will continue to enjoy a full and exciting Formula One calendar, while also seeing the sport return to a great venue. Sepang holds a special place…

“Throughout this process, the FIA, Formula One Management, and our partners in Bahrain have worked tirelessly to explore every option, with the safety and wellbeing of the teams, volunteers, officials, our colleagues, and fans remaining our highest priority,” F1 stated. “Malaysia has long held an important place in the history of Formula 1 and the return of the Championship to Sepang is testament to our close relationship with the Motorsports Association of Malaysia, the continued commitment of the Malaysian Government, and the strength of international cooperation within our sport. My sincere thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia…”

The original F1 calendar featured 24 races, but those in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled because of the war. Upcoming events in neighbouring Qatar and Abu Dhabi also remain in doubt. The Liberty Media-owned sport said in a statement at the Hungarian Grand Prix that the Oct 4 race at the circuit near Kuala Lumpur’s international airport would officially be designated the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.

Azhan Shafriman Hanif

Hosting Formula 1’s rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix in October presents a major opportunity for Malaysia to reconnect with the global motorsport community, said Sepang International Circuit chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif. The race will mark Formula 1’s return to Sepang after almost nine years, with the circuit last hosting an F1 event on Oct 1, 2017, for the Malaysian Grand Prix. Azhan Shafriman said Sepang was excited and honoured to welcome Formula 1 back, describing the event as a significant platform for Malaysia to showcase its motorsport capabilities. Wir are excited and honoured to welcome Formula 1 back to Sepang. This is a significant opportunity for Malaysia to showcase its motorsport capabilities, Azhan Shafriman said.

The race will be held from October 2-4 and retain its official identity as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Sepang takes the vacant position between the Azerbaijan and Singapore grands prix, creating a three-race run across consecutive weekends. Formal approval from the FIA World Motor Sport Council and the completion of the remaining agreements are still required before the event is officially added to the calendar. The deal was negotiated by Formula 1, the FIA and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia after the championship abandoned plans to hold the race at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Anwar Ibrahim

An announcement on whether the Formula 1 race will be making a return to Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit (SIC) in 2026 was said by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. With regards to F1, we will make an announcement on Sunday, Anwar told the press after attending an event in Penang on July 25. Formula 1 was actively exploring contingency plans for its disrupted 2026 season, with Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit emerging as the strongest candidate to host a one-off race. Formula 1 bosses were in talks with organisers of the Malaysian Grand Prix to see the Sepang race make a surprise return to the calendar this year as a stand-in event.

Razlan Razali

Former Sepang International Circuit CEO Razlan Razali said Malaysia should seriously consider any offer to host a race later this year. The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) can once again attract thousands of spectators if Malaysia is given the opportunity to host a one-off F1 race, said its former CEO, Razlan Razali. Razlan said the surge in F1’s popularity over the past few years, driven largely by Netflix’s documentary series Drive to Survive, has sparked a new wave of fans, including women and younger audiences, and transformed the motorsport landscape significantly since Malaysia stopped hosting F1 in 2017. He said the shift presents Malaysia with an ideal opportunity to host the motorsport community once again.