F1 Returns to Malaysia: Guide to the 2026 Sepang Race

Formula 1 returns to Sepang in 2026 for the first time since 2017. Here’s everything Malaysian F1 fans need to know about the historic race.

作者 WB Motorsports

Sep 17, 2026 · 2 分钟阅读

F1 Returns to Malaysia: Guide to the 2026 Sepang Race

Formula 1 Is Finally Back at Sepang

Formula 1 will return to Malaysia for the first time since 2017, with PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit hosting a World Championship race from October 2-4, 2026.

There is one unusual detail: this is officially the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, after an agreement between F1, the FIA and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia allowed the Bahrain round to be relocated to Sepang.

Nine years after F1 left Sepang, the cars are coming back.

2026 Sepang F1 Weekend Schedule

The weekend follows Formula 1's traditional three-day format.

Practice takes place on Friday, October 2, qualifying follows on Saturday, and the Grand Prix starts at 3:00pm Malaysian time on Sunday, October 4.

Sepang sits between Azerbaijan and Singapore on the revised 2026 F1 calendar, making Malaysia part of a demanding Asian stretch.

Why Sepang Remains an F1 Favourite

The 5.543km circuit features 15 corners and eight straights, combining high-speed sections with heavy braking and multiple overtaking opportunities.

Then there is Malaysia's weather.

Extreme heat and humidity already test drivers and cars, while sudden tropical rain can completely transform a race.

At Sepang, strategy can change in minutes.

Huge Malaysian Crowd Expected

Demand for Formula 1's return has been strong. Malaysia's allocation of 10,000 RM200 MADANI tickets sold out, while officials estimated the venue could welcome more than 110,000 spectators.

F1 and Sepang have also launched broader ticket sales, including special MyKad rates aimed at making the event more accessible to Malaysian fans.

For official event and ticket information, fans can check PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit.

Malaysia Is Ready for Formula 1 Again

For Winbox Racing and Malaysian motorsport fans, this is more than another race on the calendar.

Sepang hosted Formula 1 from 1999 until 2017 and produced some of the championship's most memorable races. In October, a new generation of cars and drivers will finally experience the circuit in Grand Prix competition.

Sepang is back. Formula 1 is back.

Malaysia is ready to go racing again.

For more Formula 1, MotoGP and motorsport news, follow Winbox Racing. @wbrmy_official