Why is Formula One’s 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix being hosted in Malaysia?

With two races that were removed from the calendar, and significant amounts of revenue lost across Formula 1 and its teams, Sepang was chosen to host a replacement race weekend.

Updated : Sep 30, 2026 18:02 IST , CHENNAI - 3 MINS READ

Sepang’s return to the calendar also brings back memories of its famously unpredictable weather. | Photo Credit: AP

Formula One is putting all preparations into an unusual event this weekend: a race carrying Bahrain’s name but taking place nearly 3,750 miles, or 6,000 kilometres, away at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit.

The race was initially scheduled to happen in Bahrain in the month of March, however it was cancelled alongside the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after Iran launched attacks on both countries in response to U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.

With two races that were removed from the calendar, and significant amounts of revenue lost across F1 and its teams, Sepang was chosen to host a replacement event.

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After multiple discussions between the Bahraini and Malaysian governments, the race retained its original title. Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, described the move as evidence of the country’s continued “commitment to, and passion for” Formula 1.

This race follows the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and comes one week before the Singapore Grand Prix, creating a busy stretch of races across Asia.

Although unusual, the arrangement is not without precedent. Bahrain joins Switzerland, San Marino and Luxembourg among countries that have officially lent their names to races held outside their borders.

This practice was more common during the 1980s and 1990s, when Formula 1 wanted to hold additional races in countries such as France, Italy and Germany but faced a rule limiting each nation to one event.

Alternative national branding allowed organisers to bypass that restriction. F1 is also reportedly examining contingency plans for the Qatar Grand Prix in November and the Abu Dhabi finale in December because of continuing security concerns in the Middle East.

Imola is being considered as the leading European alternative, and the sport could again retain the branding of the original host nation if a replacement becomes necessary.

Sepang’s return to the calendar also brings back memories of its famously unpredictable weather. From 1999 to 2017, the Malaysian Grand Prix developed a reputation for sudden and intense rain, often transforming the race and producing unexpected outcomes.

Thunderstorms and heavy showers are possible this weekend, which could create the first wet Grand Prix since Formula 1 introduced its major 2026 technical regulations. The Dutch Grand Prix was the closest recent example of wet conditions, although rain arrived only after the sprint had concluded.

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Smoke and pollution from forest and peat fires in the neighbouring country of Indonesia has also contributed to hazy conditions across parts of Malaysia. The problem has been intensified by prolonged dry weather, with authorities monitoring air-quality readings and fire hotspots.

The Malaysian government has also carried out cloud-seeding operations when conditions have allowed, in an effort to ease the haze. Poor air quality can cause breathing difficulties, as well as irritation to the eyes and throat, particularly among vulnerable groups.

For Formula 1, the relocated Bahrain Grand Prix therefore offers a combination of unusual branding, Sepang nostalgia and the possibility of a dramatic wet race, provided the weather and air quality allow the weekend to proceed smoothly.