Bahrain Grand Prix finds a new home in Malaysia at Sepang

Formula 1 will race for Bahrain Grand Prix points in Malaysia from 2-4 October.

Round 16 of the 2026 season takes place at the Sepang International Circuit, between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix. Sunday's race runs over 56 laps. Lights out is at 08:00 BST.

The unusual name has a direct cause. The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were due in April but were called off in March after the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran, according to BBC Sport. The sport then put Bahrain's race back on the calendar with Malaysia holding it on Bahrain's behalf. Bahrain kept the naming rights, so the race is officially listed as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, as confirmed by Formula1.com.

The deal was heavily influenced by Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Formula One announced on 26 July that Sepang would host the rescheduled October race, after reports that hopes of racing in Bahrain had faded.

Mercedes arrive in Sepang with momentum. George Russell won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from start to finish for his first grand prix victory since June. He was joined on the podium by Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar.

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli limited the damage in Baku. He started 16th after a mistake in qualifying, the Saturday shootout that sets the starting order, and fought back to fifth. That recovery keeps him at the head of the standings as the season moves to Asia.

For fans, this means an early alarm and a fast, familiar circuit. Sepang is wide and sweeping, with two long straights that reward straight-line speed and invite overtaking. Three-day general admission tickets started from USD 219 per person when sales opened in August.

BBC coverage starts with first practice on Friday 2 October from 05:30-06:30 BST. Second practice follows from 09:00-10:00 the same day. Third practice is on Saturday 3 October from 05:30-06:30, with qualifying from 09:00-10:00.

Race-day coverage on Sunday 4 October begins at 07:45 BST for the 08:00 start. Commentary will be available across BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app, with practice and qualifying on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra.