The 2026 Formula 1 season will see the Bahrain Grand Prix held at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit from October 2-4. This marks the first time F1 has raced at Sepang since 2017. The event, officially named the ‘Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026’, is the 16th round of the current championship campaign.
Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has predicted that Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli will perform strongly at the Malaysian venue. Montoya, who achieved two second-place finishes at Sepang during his career with Williams and McLaren, described the circuit as his ‘favourite track’.
The relocation of the Bahrain Grand Prix from its traditional Sakhir International Circuit is a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were initially cancelled in April due to regional instability.
Montoya highlighted the demanding nature of Sepang, stating, ‘You need to be extra brave to be fast there.’ He explained that the high-speed corners are challenging, requiring significant commitment from drivers.
He further noted that Sepang is a circuit where drivers must ‘hustle the car’. Montoya believes this characteristic makes the track particularly well-suited to Verstappen’s driving style.
Kimi Antonelli currently leads the 2026 Drivers’ Championship, holding a 50-point advantage over Lewis Hamilton as the season enters its summer break. Antonelli’s strong performance positions him as a key contender for success at the upcoming event.
Max Verstappen holds a notable history at Sepang, having won the last Formula 1 race held there, the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix. During that race, Verstappen overtook Lewis Hamilton on lap four and maintained his lead to secure victory.
The Sepang International Circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke and opened in 1999, is known for its wide layout, long straights, and sweeping corners. Its tropical climate often introduces high heat, humidity, and unpredictable rain.
The circuit features two long straights, each nearly a kilometre in length, followed by tight, slow-speed corners. It also incorporates several high-speed sections, demanding high aerodynamic downforce and precise car balance.
Tyre management is a critical factor at Sepang due to the elevated temperatures and humidity, which contribute to significant thermal degradation. The track’s design also offers numerous overtaking opportunities.
Martin Brundle, Sky Sports F1 pundit, commended Formula 1’s ‘lateral thinking and flexibility’ in arranging the Sepang relocation. He noted this adaptability was previously demonstrated during the pandemic.
The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang will form part of a triple-header, positioned between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix (September 24-26) and the Singapore Grand Prix (October 9-11).
The current 2026 F1 season has introduced new technical regulations, including revised power unit configurations and active aerodynamics. Drivers, including Verstappen, have expressed criticism regarding the increased reliance on electrical power and energy management.
