Bahrain GP Makes Historic Move to Malaysia
Sepang hosts the 22nd edition as Bahrain brings its motorsport experience, culture and traditions to Malaysia.
The 2026 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix was held at Sepang International Circuit from October 2–4.
Max Verstappen secured pole position ahead of Lewis Hamilton, with Kimi Antonelli moving to third on the starting grid.
Bahrain showcased its culture and heritage through Bahrain Village and other activities during the race weekend.
The 2026 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix took place at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit in a historic edition that brought Bahrain's Formula 1 event to Malaysian soil.
The race, which is the 22nd edition of the Bahrain Grand Prix, hosted in Malaysia from October 2 to 4 following an agreement between Bahrain, Malaysia, Formula 1 and the FIA. The arrangement allowed the Bahrain Grand Prix to remain on the 2026 calendar while returning Formula 1 to the iconic Sepang circuit.
The event retained its Bahrain identity, with Bahrain International Circuit and the Bahrain Motor Federation working alongside their Malaysian counterparts to organize the race. Bahrain also used the occasion to showcase its tourism, culture and heritage to an international audience.
Verstappen Leads the Starting Grid
Red Bull's Max Verstappen secured pole position in qualifying with a fastest lap of 1:35.130, taking his first pole of the 2026 season. Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton qualified second at 1:35.428.
Verstappen's Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar originally qualified third, but a five-place grid penalty moved him down to eighth. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli therefore moves up to third, followed by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and McLaren's Lando Norris.
The result gave Verstappen an important advantage as he sought his first victory of the season. It also marks his return to Sepang, where he won the last Malaysian Grand Prix in 2017.
Bahrain Brings Its Identity to Sepang
Despite being held thousands of kilometres away from Bahrain, the Grand Prix retains many of the Kingdom's familiar traditions and features.
Bahrain Village, organised by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, is giving visitors an opportunity to experience Bahraini heritage through traditional activities, handicraft demonstrations, food and beverages.
The Bahrain International Circuit said the event is also designed to introduce Bahrain and its Grand Prix experience to a new audience of motorsport fans in Asia while highlighting the Kingdom's tourism and cultural offerings.
The Bahrain identity extended to the podium, where the traditional use of rosewater as part of the Kingdom's Grand Prix traditions.
Crown Prince Highlights National Expertise
HRH Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, visited Sepang and met members of Team Bahrain and distinguished guests attending the Grand Prix.
He praised the contribution of Bahrain's national workforce and highlighted their expertise and ability to deliver major international events despite challenging circumstances.
HRH Crown Prince also expressed appreciation to Formula 1, the FIA, Bahrain International Circuit, Sepang International Circuit and the participating teams for their efforts in making the event possible.
Historic Return to Sepang
The event also marked Formula 1's return to Malaysia after a nine-year absence. Sepang last hosted an F1 race in 2017, when Verstappen took victory.
The circuit is known for its high-speed layout, demanding conditions and unpredictable weather. At 5.543 kilometres, Sepang presents teams and drivers with a very different challenge from Bahrain International Circuit.
With Verstappen starting at the front, Hamilton alongside him and championship leader Antonelli beginning third, the historic Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia promises a closely watched race as Bahrain's Formula 1 story continues in a new setting.
