The Malaysian GP is back on the F1 calendar as the iconic Sepang International Circuit will host a race in 2026 to slot in for Bahrain, marking a one-off return after 9 years away.
Due to the war in the Middle East resuming, the Bahrain Grand Prix cannot go ahead this year. The Saudi round was also cancelled earlier in the year. Despite hopes the race at Sakhir could be held between Baku and Singapore, that is no longer possible for the aforementioned reason.
Instead, the Malaysian circuit that first came on the calendar in 1999 is back, with the race being held on October 4th, forming a triple-header with Baku and Singapore.
As for Qatar and Abu Dhabi, that is currently a situation of waiting to see if the war stops. If those races are binned off, Imola is a strong candidate to host the final round of the year. Right now, 22 or 23 races will take place in 2026.
Who will make history at the 2026 F1 Malaysian GP?
Back in 1999, Eddie Irvine was the first winner of the race as he led home a Ferrari 1-2 as Michael Schumacher returned from a broken leg. A superb team effort from the German ensured the Irish driver won the race.
Four years later, Fernando Alonso started on pole for the first time, with Kimi Räikkönen going on to take his first Grand Prix win the following day.
Multi 21 (2013), Sebastian Vettel winning his first race in red (2015), and Lewis Hamilton’s engine blowing up when he had a big lead (2016) are a couple of other iconic moments from a venue full of history and great racing over the years.
