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Relocated · Sepang, Oct 2–4 2026

The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix Moved to MalaysiaRound 16 of the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship · Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia

Updated 16 September 2026 · By GrandPrixPal Editorial

2027 session times are not published yet — race start estimated by GrandPrixPal (checked 5 Oct 2026)

The Bahrain Grand Prix did not run at Sakhir in 2026. The original April date was called off on 14 March, 26 days before race day, because of the security situation in the Gulf region. The race was relocated and ran at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia on Oct 2–4 2026. F1 returns to Sakhir on Mar 12–14 2027.

Announcement · 14 March 2026

The April Date Was Called Off 26 Days Out.

With freight already being positioned and logistics locked in, Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali delivered the news: "While this was a difficult decision to take, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East."

Race day had been set for 12 April. The April date was called off on 14 March — less than four weeks out, well inside the normal freight and logistics window. The race itself was later relocated to Sepang in October.

days before race day

Force Majeure · Security

Why It Left Sakhir: Security in the Gulf

On 28 February 2026, US strikes killed Iran's supreme leader. Iranian retaliatory strikes across the Gulf region followed, directly affecting Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated: "The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first."

F1 invoked the force majeure clause in its hosting contracts — the same mechanism used during COVID-19 — meaning neither side is in breach. The race was moved, not terminated.

Action Required · Ticket Holders

You Bought Tickets for Sakhir. Here's What Happened to Your Money.

Option A — Full Refund

Receive a full refund of your ticket purchase price. Details are being sent directly by Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) via email.

Option B — Rollover

Apply your tickets to a future Bahrain Grand Prix — now confirmed for 12–14 March 2027, the opening round of that season. BIC is contacting all ticket holders with the full terms.

Check your email for official communication from BIC. If you booked through a third-party reseller, contact them directly. Travel insurance claims for the April date should reference the official Formula 1 announcement dated 14 March 2026.

Season Impact · 2026 Calendar

Bahrain Moved from April to October

The 2026 season ran 23 rounds. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was cancelled, and the Bahrain Grand Prix moved to Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia as round 16:

🇧🇭 Bahrain GP at Sakhir12 Apr

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabian GP19 Apr

🇲🇾 Bahrain GP at Sepang · Round 16Oct 2–4

Contract Status · Long Term

Bahrain's 10-Year F1 Deal Doesn't End Until 2036

Bahrain holds one of the longest active hosting contracts in Formula 1, running through 2036. Calling off the April date does not void it — force majeure provisions explicitly protect both parties in situations outside their control.

Precedent from the COVID era suggests affected contracts may be extended by one year as compensation, though this has not been officially confirmed for 2026.

2036

contract runs until

Looking Ahead

F1 Returns to Sakhir in March 2027 — as the Season Opener.

Bahrain International Circuit has been part of the F1 calendar since 2004 and has hosted more than 20 Grands Prix, including multiple night races. It was the first country in the Middle East to host a Formula 1 event and remains one of the most purpose-built, well-regarded circuits on the calendar.

The FIA’s official 2027 calendar puts Bahrain back at Sakhir as round 1 on Mar 12–14 2027 — opening the year, as a sprint weekend. The hosting contract runs to 2036.

F1 has a commercial interest in maintaining its Gulf presence, and Bahrain's government has consistently invested in the race as a flagship international event — which is why the 2026 race was moved rather than dropped.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix cancelled?

No — it was relocated. The original April date at Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, was called off, and the Bahrain Grand Prix ran instead at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia on Oct 2–4 2026, as round 16 of the season. Formula 1 lists it as the "Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia".

What happened to tickets for the April race at Sakhir?

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) contacted ticket holders directly by email with two options: a full refund or rolling tickets over to a future year. If you bought through a reseller, contact them directly.

How many races were there in 2026?

23 rounds. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was cancelled; the Bahrain Grand Prix was held in Malaysia in October rather than at Sakhir in April.

Does the move end Bahrain's F1 contract?

No. Bahrain's contract with Formula 1 runs until 2036. The April date was called off under force majeure due to the security situation in the Gulf region — it does not terminate the contract.

When will F1 race in Bahrain next?

Mar 12–14 2027, at Sakhir, as round 1 — the season opener on the official 2027 calendar, and a sprint weekend. The long-term contract runs to 2036.

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