Formula 1 Is Returning to Malaysia
Sepang International Circuit will host a Grand Prix in October, marking F1's first race in Malaysia since 2017.
There have been some twists and turns in the F1 season so far, but perhaps the most surprising relates not to a driver, but to a race itself.
In news that’s shaken up the calendar, Formula 1 has confirmed that Malaysia will host a Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit from 2 to 4 October 2026. The event, officially titled the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, comes as a result of Bahrain's race being relocated due to regional circumstances, with the governments of both countries collaborating to make it happen.
Malaysia made its debut on the calendar in 1999 and quickly earned a reputation for unpredictable weather, dramatic racing and passionate crowds. Sepang last hosted a Formula 1 race in 2017 and let’s just say, it’s clear fans missed the circuit, with thousands of fans expressing their anticipation for the race - the announcement racked up over 1.6 million likes on Instagram alone.
For anyone already attending the Singapore Grand Prix the following weekend (9 to 11 October), the timing is hard to ignore, as is the distance between the two circuits. Singapore and Malaysia are a brief flight apart - an alignment rarely found on the F1 calendar, and one we’d suggest taking advantage of as soon as tickets become available, because who doesn’t want to extend their stay in Southeast Asia? For those who missed out on securing tickets to established races, this could present a last-minute opportunity.
Ticket information hasn't been released yet but is expected soon, so keep an eye out on F1’s social pages. Sepang is about an hour from central Kuala Lumpur, easily reached by road or rail, and there's no shortage of luxury hotels in the city to use as a base, as KL continues to develop as one of the leading luxury markets in Asia.
