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Sepang Circuit Hosts Bahrain Grand Prix in October Swap — AI-generated representative image. Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia will host the rescheduled Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix on October 4, 2025.

Editorial Team

Formula One returns to Sepang International Circuit for the rescheduled Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix on October 4

Formula One has announced that Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit will host a rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix on October 4, filling a calendar gap created by the cancellation of the original race due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The race, officially designated the "Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia," marks the return of Formula One to Sepang for the first time since 2017.

The rescheduling ensures the championship maintains a 23-race calendar after the April race at Bahrain's Sakhir circuit and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah were both cancelled. The decision, announced at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday, follows an agreement between the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain, the governing FIA, and Formula One management.

Revised Calendar and Race Details

The rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix will take place at Sepang, a circuit near Kuala Lumpur's international airport that last hosted a Formula One race in 2017 and now serves primarily as a MotoGP venue. The October 4 date slots between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 26 and the Singapore Grand Prix on October 11.

The addition of Sepang restores the championship calendar to 23 races. However, speculation continues about whether the final two rounds of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will proceed as planned. According to informed sources at the Hungaroring, Italy's Imola circuit, home to Ferrari, is being considered as a potential replacement finale should those Middle Eastern races also be cancelled.

Background on Cancellations

The original Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled for April at the Sakhir circuit, and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah were both cancelled due to the United States and Israel's military campaign against Iran and the resulting regional instability. Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, has itself faced attacks from Iranian missiles and drones.

The arrangement is not without precedent in Formula One history. Germany's Nurburgring has hosted a Luxembourg Grand Prix, the San Marino Grand Prix was held for many years at Italy's Imola circuit, and the Swiss Grand Prix was once held in France.

Official Statements and Significance

"This is fantastic news for our fans," Formula One Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali said while making the announcement at the Hungarian Grand Prix. "They will continue to enjoy a full and exciting Formula One calendar, while also seeing the sport return to a great venue. Sepang holds a special place in Formula One history. It will provide a spectacular setting for racing and an unforgettable experience for fans at the circuit and watching around the world."

Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat owns Formula One champions McLaren. The Grand Prix is the kingdom's largest annual sporting event and serves as a key platform for promoting Bahrain internationally.

Pending Approvals

The event remains subject to final agreements and approval from the FIA's World Motor Sport Council. Formula One officials have confirmed that the agreement has been signed between the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain, the FIA, and Formula One, with final ratification still awaited.