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via PlanetF1Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli at centre of Montoya Malaysia predictionThe Sepang Circuit in Malaysia will host the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, marking F1's return to the venue for the first time since 2017. This change is due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, and it has led to a unique race weekend setup. Juan Pablo Montoya has predicted that championship leader Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen will perform exceptionally well at this popular track, which he regards as his favorite. Antonelli currently holds a significant lead in the Drivers' Championship, while Verstappen is the last winner at Sepang from 2017.
The race weekend at Sepang will be part of a triple-header, following races in Baku and Singapore, resulting in a busy schedule of six races over seven weekends. Montoya highlighted the importance of bravery for drivers to succeed at Sepang, indicating that both Verstappen and Antonelli possess the skills needed to navigate its challenges effectively. This strategic adjustment by F1 aims to ensure a full championship despite the circumstances affecting the original race location.
Fri 14 Aug · 08:07 UTC
via Formula1.com10 quiz questions on F1 at the Sepang International CircuitThe Sepang International Circuit is set to make its return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2026, coinciding with Malaysia hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix. This will be the first F1 event at the Sepang track in nearly ten years, marking a significant moment for fans and the sport in the region.
F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed enthusiasm about the return, highlighting its importance for fans. The announcement was made late last month, generating excitement among the F1 community as they prepare for the upcoming race.
Wed 12 Aug · 10:02 UTC
via grandprix.comBarcelona on standby as 2027 F1 calendar delayedThe ongoing conflict in the Middle East has led to delays in the publication of the 2027 Formula 1 calendar, with Barcelona emerging as a potential substitute for Bahrain's pre-season testing. The situation has already affected the 2026 race schedule, prompting Bahrain's race to be relocated to Malaysia and leaving other venues uncertain for the season.
Formula 1 is committed to maintaining a 24-race schedule for 2027, with plans to include Portugal and Turkey. While the organization is prepared for potential changes to the calendar, Domenicali emphasized that the broader political issues in the region take precedence over scheduling concerns.
via Motorsport WeekAlex Albon admits Williams F1 upgrades will not be quick fixAlex Albon has acknowledged that the Williams F1 team is facing significant challenges in the 2026 season, with only 11 points scored so far. He believes that the team's recent upgrades, including those planned for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, will not provide a quick solution to their performance issues, which he attributes to the car's design flaws that will take years to rectify.
Albon has expressed frustration with the FW48's characteristics, which have forced him to adjust his driving style and under-drive the car. He highlighted the difficulties posed by the car's weight and balance, impacting his ability to perform consistently. As the team prepares for the upcoming race at Zandvoort, Albon remains hopeful that the ongoing efforts at the factory will eventually lead to improvements.
Wed 5 Aug · 15:47 UTC
via Motorsport.comBaku upgrade will not fix Williams' 2026 F1 struggles - Alex AlbonAlex Albon conceded that Williams will endure a tough end to the 2026 Formula 1 campaign with priority now shifting to building a fast car for 2027. The Grove outfit has failed to kick on from its multi-podium season in 2025 and is ninth in the 2026 championship after 11 rounds with only 11 points and none since Monaco in June. Hungary last time out was its worst result yet, finishing ... Keep reading
Wed 5 Aug · 11:30 UTC
via RacingNews365FIA confirms Bahrain Grand Prix will be daytime raceThe FIA has clarified that the Bahrain Grand Prix will take place during the day at the Sepang International Circuit. This announcement resolves previous uncertainties regarding the race's start time.
+ 2 moreTue 4 Aug · 13:40 UTC
via AutosportPirelli to use 2017 data for Bahrain Grand Prix tyresPirelli is preparing for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will take place at the Sepang Circuit. The tire supplier will utilize data from 2017 to inform their strategy for this unexpected event.+ 1 moreFri 31 Jul · 11:00 UTC
via CrashDebunking the biggest myth about the Bahrain GP in Malaysia after F1 timing confusionThe upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia is confirmed to be held in the afternoon, debunking rumors of a night race caused by a timing error. The confusion arose when the official F1 App mistakenly displayed an evening start time, which is being corrected, and the official website currently lists the timings as 'TBC'. Sepang International Circuit's CEO has stated that the race will not take place at night, and this scenario was never part of F1's planning for the event.
The race, scheduled for 4 October 2026, marks the return of F1 to Sepang after a hiatus since 2017, where Max Verstappen was the last winner. The event is officially named the Bahrain Grand Prix due to Bahrain's inability to host the race amid regional conflicts, and it is helping to cover costs for the event in Malaysia. Additionally, the 2026 season is set to conclude with a tight schedule, and decisions regarding potential changes to the final races will be made soon.
Fri 31 Jul · 09:47 UTC
via grandprix.comNo more Bahrain-style relocated GPs says DomenicaliStefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, announced that the series will not adopt the practice of relocating races like the Bahrain GP for upcoming events in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, or Abu Dhabi. Instead, if disruptions occur, the season finale will be held in Europe, with Imola and Portimao being considered as potential venues. A decision regarding the race locations is anticipated by mid-September 2026.
Domenicali also addressed concerns about weather conditions for a potential December race at Imola, asserting that the average temperatures in Europe during that time are comparable to those in Las Vegas. He ruled out the idea of hosting another race in the United States to avoid competing with the NFL, which has a significant following.
via AutosportStand out moments from the Malaysian GPThe Malaysian Grand Prix is set to return in 2026, marking the end of a nine-year hiatus. The event will take place at the Sepang circuit, which has a rich history in Formula 1, including a unique situation where it will host the Bahrain GP due to ongoing regional conflicts. The race is scheduled for October 2-4, 2026, and will be remembered for its dramatic past.
Throughout its history from 1999 to 2017, the Malaysian GP produced several memorable moments. Highlights include Eddie Irvine's controversial victory in 1999, Kimi Raikkonen's first win in 2003, and the 2009 race where half points were awarded due to severe weather conditions. These events showcase the unpredictability and excitement that the Sepang circuit has brought to Formula 1.
Thu 30 Jul · 10:30 UTC
via AutosportWhy the 2026 F1 season won’t end in Las VegasThe 2026 Formula 1 season will not conclude in Las Vegas due to scheduling conflicts with the Thanksgiving holiday and ongoing geopolitical issues in the Middle East. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has indicated that decisions regarding the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races will be made by mid-September, and if canceled, they will be replaced by a European race rather than adding another event in the US. Imola is currently the frontrunner to host the season finale, given its favorable weather conditions compared to Las Vegas during that time of year.
Domenicali emphasized the importance of avoiding competition with the NFL, which has multiple games scheduled over the Thanksgiving weekend. Additionally, the Las Vegas Grand Prix has faced challenges since its inception, including a class-action lawsuit settlement related to the 2023 event. As F1 navigates these complexities, it aims to ensure a successful conclusion to the season in Europe.Wed 29 Jul · 11:00 UTC
via grandprix.comDomenicali says Imola could replace 2026 race venueFormula 1 is evaluating potential adjustments to the 2026 calendar due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Stefano Domenicali has indicated that Imola could serve as a backup venue if necessary.
via BBC SportMalaysia to host postponed Bahrain Grand Prix in OctoberThe Bahrain Grand Prix has been relocated to Malaysia's Sepang circuit due to earlier cancellations. Ticket sales and pricing for the event have sparked confusion among fans.
+ 1 moreSun 26 Jul · 10:59 UTC
via grandprix.comMalaysia to Host 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang CircuitFormula 1 has announced that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026 at the Sepang International Circuit. This marks the return of F1 to Malaysia for the first time since 2017.
via AutosportMalaysia Considers Hosting Formula 1 Race Amid Bahrain UncertaintyMalaysia is being considered as a potential replacement venue for the Bahrain Grand Prix due to ongoing regional conflicts. The Malaysian government is currently evaluating the feasibility of hosting a Formula 1 event in 2026.Fri 24 Jul · 11:34 UTC
via grandprix.comBahrain GP return now looks unlikely says PirelliThe possibility of reinstating the Bahrain Grand Prix to the 2026 Formula 1 calendar has diminished due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Initially, Bahrain was a leading candidate for restoration after the cancellation of both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races earlier this year, but renewed hostilities have complicated the situation significantly.
Pirelli's motorsport director highlighted that the necessary preparations for a race require approximately four months, and the current instability makes it difficult to ensure safe transportation of essential materials like tyres. With upcoming races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, the timeline for planning is critical, and uncertainty remains a significant concern.
via grandprix.comBahrain still pushing for 2026 GP returnThe Formula 1 organization has indicated that any decisions regarding the reinstatement of cancelled races need to be finalized before the summer break. Bahrain is viewed as a strong candidate for this return, with specific dates being considered for the event.Page 33 of 33