# Bahrain GP move to Sepang; Abu Dhabi to host 2026 finale

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-formula-1-calendar-disruption
> Updated: 2026-08-23T12:16:31.000Z. Sources: 289. Developments: 21.

The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix has been relocated to Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit, scheduled for 2–4 October. The FIA confirmed the move follows ongoing Middle East conflicts that rendered original venues in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia unsafe. The event will be a daytime race starting at 15:00 local time. Bahrain will pay the full US$70–80 million rights fee, while Malaysian authorities share local operational expenses.

Ticket sales for the Sepang event have officially commenced, marking Formula 1’s return to the circuit for the first time since 2017. International prices start at US$219 for general admission, while Malaysian nationals benefit from discounted rates. High demand has already led to the complete sell-out of the RM200 MADANI tickets for the G Hillstand. In response to this surge, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari stated the government is exploring the possibility of making additional tickets available. To support logistics, Gulf Air has announced nonstop flights between Bahrain and Kuala Lumpur starting 29 September 2026.

Formula 1 has officially confirmed its 2026 season calendar, which begins in Melbourne and concludes with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit from 3–6 December. While the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix will be removed from the schedule, the season will feature a new race in Madrid. The Abu Dhabi finale is expected to include a major entertainment program featuring artists such as Lewis Capaldi, Zara Larsson, and Imagine Dragons.

## Claims

- The Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia on 2‑4 October 2026. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- The official name of the race will be “Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia”. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- The Sepang race will be scheduled between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix (26‑28 September) and the Singapore Grand Prix (9‑11 October). (corroborated by 21 sources)
- Adding the Sepang round brings the 2026 Formula 1 calendar to 23 Grands Prix. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- An agreement was signed between the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia, the FIA and Formula 1 to move the race to Sepang. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- Bahrain’s sovereign‑wealth fund Mumtalakat will fund the majority of the costs for the rescheduled race. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix scheduled for April was cancelled due to the Iran‑related war in the Middle East. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali said the sport’s ability to adapt was “fantastic news for our fans”. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- Imola is being considered as the season‑ending Grand Prix for the 2026 Formula 1 championship if the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races are cancelled. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The FIA confirmed the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The race is scheduled for 2–4 October 2026. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Malaysia will host a race on 4 October 2026 at Sepang, acting as a replacement for the cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix. (corroborated by 5 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Formula 1 confirms 2026 season calendar and Abu Dhabi finale

Formula 1 has confirmed its 2026 calendar, featuring a season finale in Abu Dhabi and the relocation of the Bahrain Grand Prix to Malaysia's Sepang circuit.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/abu-dhabi-to-host-2026-formula-1-season-finale

### 2026-08-21: Formula 1 to decide on Qatar and Abu Dhabi races by mid-September

Formula 1 will decide after mid-September whether to hold the 2026 Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, with plans to move the season finale to Europe if Middle East instability persists.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/formula-1-considers-relocating-season-finale-amid-middle-east-conflict

### 2026-08-17: Sepang International Circuit MADANI F1 tickets sell out

Discounted RM200 MADANI tickets for the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit have sold out due to high demand. The Malaysian government is considering releasing more tickets.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sepang-international-circuit-madani-f1-tickets-sell-out

### 2026-08-15: Sepang International Circuit to host 2026 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix

Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit, marking the sport's return to the venue since 2017.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sepang-international-circuit-to-host-2026-f1-bahrain-grand-prix

### 2026-08-12: Sepang International Circuit opens F1 Bahrain GP ticket sales

Ticket sales for the 2026 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit are now open, offering discounted rates for Malaysian MyKad holders starting from RM200.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sepang-international-circuit-opens-f1-bahrain-gp-ticket-sales

### 2026-08-07: 2027 Motorsport Calendars Adjusted Amid Middle East Conflict

The 2027 Formula 1 calendar release is delayed to autumn with backup plans for winter tests as the US‑Iran conflict disrupts Middle East races, while the FIA confirms a five‑round 2027 World Rally‑Raid schedule

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/2027-motorsport-calendars-adjusted-amid-middle-east-conflict

### 2026-08-04: Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 Relocated to Malaysia's Sepang Circuit

The FIA confirmed the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will be run at Malaysia's Sepang Circuit on 2‑4 Oct, starting at 15:00 local time, after the Middle‑East conflict forced the move.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/middle-east-tensions-push-f1-and-wec-races-to-european-venues

### 2026-07-31: Bahrain Grand Prix to be held in Malaysia at Sepang as a daytime race

The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix moves to Malaysia’s Sepang circuit, will run in daylight due to inadequate lighting, and is set for 2‑4 Oct with practice, qualifying and race sessions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bahrain-grand-prix-to-be-held-in-malaysia-at-sepang-as-a-daytime-race

### 2026-07-27: Sepang International Circuit to Host 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix

The FIA confirmed the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will take place at Sepang, Malaysia (Oct 2‑4). Bahrain will cover the US$70‑80 m rights fee; RM40 m of local costs are shared. Ticket revenue goes to Bahrain, with

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bahrain-grand-prix-to-return-to-malaysias-sepang-circuit-in-october-2026

### 2026-07-25: Bahrain Grand Prix moved to Sepang, Malaysia for 2026

The Bahrain GP is relocated to Sepang, Malaysia on 2‑4 Oct 2026 after April cancellation due to Middle‑East conflict; the race is called Gulf Air Bahrain GP in Malaysia and adds a 23‑race calendar.

163 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/malaysias-sepang-circuit-to-host-replacement-bahrain-grand-prix

### 2026-07-25: Imola emerges as leading candidate for 2026 F1 season finale amid Middle East conflict

Imola is the leading backup for the 2026 F1 season finale if Qatar and Abu Dhabi are cancelled, while Malaysia will host a replacement Bahrain GP on 4 Oct amid Middle East conflict.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/imola-circuit-eyed-as-f1-season-finale-amid-middle-east-conflict

### 2026-07-23: Sepang Circuit poised to rejoin Formula 1 calendar in 2026

Formula 1 seeks to fill Bahrain and Saudi Arabia’s cancelled slots by adding a Sepang Grand Prix on 4 October 2026, pending a Malaysian government announcement.

94 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/formula-1-eyes-malaysia-grand-prix-as-middle-east-races-canceled

### 2026-07-20: Formula One cancels Bahrain Grand Prix amid escalating Middle East conflict

Formula One has cancelled the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix due to an escalating Middle East conflict, while its 2026 calendar adds a Madrid race and retains Bahrain for April 12.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/formula-one-cancels-bahrain-grand-prix-amid-escalating-middle-east-conflict

### 2026-07-18: Formula 1 explores Portimão and Baku as replacements for cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix

Formula 1 is planning to replace the cancelled Bahrain GP with a possible race at Portugal’s Portimão or a second event in Baku, amid renewed Middle East conflict, prioritising safety and schedule continuity.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/formula-1-explores-portimo-and-baku-as-replacements-for-cancelled-bahrain-grand-prix

### 2026-07-15: World Endurance Championship to shift 2026 season finale to Europe amid Middle East tensions

The WEC plans to move its 2026 season finale from Bahrain to European tracks Barcelona and Monza after cancelling Qatar and Bahrain rounds due to Middle East tensions, pending FIA approval.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/world-endurance-championship-to-shift-2026-season-finale-to-europe-amid-middle-east-tensions

### 2026-07-14: US‑Iran Conflict Disrupts 2026 Formula 1 Calendar

US‑Iran fighting has led to the cancellation of Bahrain and Saudi F1 races for 2026, prompting Liberty Media to seek replacements like a Singapore or Baku double‑header, while Turkey and European venues are off

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/usiran-conflict-disrupts-2026-formula-1-calendar

### 2026-07-12: Bahrain GP dropped from 2026 F1 calendar amid Middle East tensions

Bahrain GP is cancelled again for 2026 as US‑Iran tensions rise, putting Qatar and Abu Dhabi races in doubt and prompting the FIA to consider a reduced calendar and alternative venues.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bahrain-f1-grand-prix-in-october-faces-uncertainty-amid-middle-east-tensions

### 2026-07-10: Bahrain Grand Prix remains cancelled; officials consider October reschedule as motorsport adjusts

Bahrain has not used its UAE swap and eyes an October F1 race despite conflict, while Formula 3 reshapes its 2026 finale in Spain to replace the cancelled Bahrain round.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bahrain-grand-prix-remains-cancelled-officials-consider-october-reschedule-as-motorsport-adjusts

### 2026-07-05: Formula 1 eyes Portimão as backup venue amid Middle‑East race cancellations

Formula 1 plans to use Portugal’s Portimão circuit as a backup if Qatar and Abu Dhabi races are cancelled, after Middle‑East events were dropped due to the Iran conflict.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/formula-1-eyes-portugals-portimo-as-backup-venue-for-season-finale-after-middle-east-races-cancelled

### 2026-07-04: Bahrain Grand Prix may return to 2026 F1 calendar

F1 aims to reinstate a cancelled Gulf race, likely Bahrain, in early October 2026, pending a pre‑summer‑break decision; Portimão is a fallback for final rounds if Qatar/Abu Dhabi are still unsafe.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/formula-1-aims-to-reinstate-bahrain-grand-prix-for-2026

### 2026-06-30: Formula 1 eyes alternative 2026 finale as Middle East conflict looms

Formula 1 is weighing a Las Vegas double‑header or a European finale at Barcelona and Portimão as alternatives to the cancelled Middle‑East races for the 2026 season.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/formula-1-eyes-alternative-2026-finale-as-middle-east-conflict-looms

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Cite as: Bahrain GP move to Sepang; Abu Dhabi to host 2026 finale. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-formula-1-calendar-disruption