Malaysia will host an additional grand prix in October following the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix earlier this season.

The Bahrain race was due to be held on April 12 but, like the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on April 19, was cancelled due to the conflict in Iran.

That ensured a disrupted start to the 2026 Formula One campaign and dropped the number of races on the schedule from 24 to 22, but Malaysia will now host a 23rd race.

That grand prix – which is being hosted on behalf of Bahrain – will take place between October 2 and 4, in what was originally supposed to be a week off between the Azerbaijan and Singapore races. 

Malaysia was a regular F1 venue between 1999 and 2017, with Sebastian Vettel boasting the most victories at the Sepang International Circuit, with four (2010, 2011, 2013, 2015).

BREAKING: Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit from 2-4 October 2026

Positioned between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix, this event, which is subject to final agreements and official sign-off, will become the Formula 1 Gulf Air… pic.twitter.com/ArTS4tAJIE

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 26, 2026

Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the most recent race to be staged in Malaysia, in 2017. 

The F1 season continues with Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix, with reigning drivers' champion Lando Norris on pole ahead of Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri.