The calendar situation is starting to unlock, after the missed events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in April. Formula 1 has officially announced its return to Malaysia for the first time since 2017, thus recovering one of the races lost in spring. At the moment there are no further updates regarding the Middle East stages at the end of the year, with the 2026 calendar thus temporarily reaching 23 races.
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Official return to Malaysia
The official announcement arrived at 12:30 from the Hungaroring, where FIA president Ben Sulayem was also present. Formula 1 will race in Malaysia during the weekend between October 2 and 4, thus forming a triple-header with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and the Singapore Grand Prix. The Malaysian event, however, will be named the Bahrain Grand Prix, by virtue of agreements made with the organizers of the Sakhir race, which Sepang will replace. Only the approval of the World Motor Sport Council and the signing of the final agreements are missing, but otherwise everything is ready for the return of Formula 1 to Malaysia after almost ten years.
The agreement was also commented on by Formula 1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali: “We are pleased to confirm that Malaysia will host the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix. Once again, the sport has demonstrated its ability to adapt, find solutions and implement them, providing an exciting moment for anyone who follows Formula 1. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to His Majesty, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, to His Royal Highness, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and to His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, as well as to their respective governments for making this outcome possible through their vision, dedication and decisive actions. Of course, I would also like to thank FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his partnership and collaboration during the process.”
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No news for the finale
From the official statement issued by Formula 1, it is learned that for the moment the rest of the calendar remains unchanged. However, behind the scenes an alternative plan is being explored should it not be possible to hold the stages in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. In recent hours, the option of Imola for the grand season finale has emerged, but the tracks of Portimao or a double-header in Las Vegas also remain alive. There will be time to think about it, during a second part of the season which, with the return of Malaysia, promises to be even more frantic.
