Malaysia set to host F1 race in October
Malaysia is expected to host a Formula 1 race in October as a replacement for the cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix due to regional conflict. The event is part of a broader logistical challenge for F1 as it navigates geopolitical instability.
Why it matters
This illustrates how global geopolitical conflicts, specifically in the Middle East, are disrupting international sporting calendars.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the last grand prix staged in Malaysia, in 2017. It was his second F1 victory
F1 Correspondent at the Hungaroring Published 25 July 2026 Malaysia is set to hold a grand prix in October as a replacement for the Bahrain race that was called off earlier this season as a result of the war in the Middle East.
The Sepang track near Kuala Lumpur, which was last on the calendar in 2017, is expected to stage a race on behalf of Bahrain on 2-4 October, a week before the event in neighbour Singapore.
The race will be presented as the Bahrain Grand Prix being held in Malaysia.
The event is expected to be announced officially in the coming days, perhaps as early as Sunday.
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