Sepang International Circuit hosts F1 and MotoGP, shaping Malaysia’s motorsport reputation and track history.
Races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled earlier this year due to regional conflict. With the calendar tight, F1 is considering Sepang in Malaysia to host a double-trace schedule in late September to early October, effectively substituting a Bahrain date and linking Asia and Europe before Singapore. The Bahrain event would be branded as Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia for contractual reasons.
Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, branded as the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, slotting the race between Azerbaijan and Singapore. The move follows Middle East tensions and calendar revisions, with Imola considered as a contingency for Qatar if needed. Fans are assured a full calendar as the FIA and F1 adapt.
The 2027 Formula 1 schedule has expanded sprint races from six to ten, with Monaco hosting a short-form event for the first time. Other sprints are planned in Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Abu Dhabi, Canada, Britain, Italy, Brazil and Qatar as organisers seek greater fan engagement amid regional tensions and security concerns.
Verstappen has claimed pole at Sepang, with Hadjar and Hamilton close behind. Antonio Antonelli has a 66-point lead in the championship but faces grid penalties, while the Bahrain Grand Prix will be staged in Malaysia due to the Iran war. Weather remains dry, but tire wear and track heat dominate practice and qualifying.
Max Verstappen has claimed his first win of the 2026 season at the rain-delayed Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. He overcomes an initial pole-to-third start and engine issues across rivals to finish ahead of Kimi Antonelli, with Lewis Hamilton rallying to third after a dramatic day that included a lengthy delay and multiple software problems affecting multiple cars.