Formula One is heading back to Malaysia, but with an unusual twist. After an absence of 9 years, the championship will return to the Sepang International Circuit in October 2026, although the event is officially the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia rather than a standalone F1 Malaysia Grand Prix. The move allows Bahrain to retain its place on the calendar after its original April race was cancelled, while giving F1 a return to one of its most recognisable circuits. So, if you are a fan, looking for information, here is all you need to know about the upcoming F1 Malaysia GP 2026 date, time, practice, qualifying and race schedule, including when and where to watch Kimi Antonelli, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and others. The F1 Sepang circuit relocated race will take place from October 2 to October 4, 2026.
So, when is the F1 Malaysia GP 2026? The Formula 1 weekend runs from Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 4, 2026 at the Sepang International Circuit in Selangor. The F1 race itself will take place on Sunday, October 4. Formula 1 has confirmed the date. However, the F1 Malaysia GP 2026 timings for Sepang have yet to be announced.
For now, the F1 Malaysia GP 2026 practice schedule dates are confirmed by day rather than the exact time:
Practice 1: Friday, October 2 — Time TBC
Practice 2: Friday, October 2 — Time TBC
Practice 3: Saturday, October 3 — Time TBC
Once F1 releases the official timetable, the session times can be added in Malaysia Time (MYT, UTC+8).
So, when is F1 Malaysia GP 2026 qualifying? This part of the F1 weekend is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, ahead of the race on Sunday. The exact start time has not yet been confirmed. That leaves plenty to look forward to at a circuit where qualifying can be particularly important. Sepang circuit's long straights offer overtaking opportunities, but its faster corners leave little room for hesitation.
And when is the F1 Malaysia GP race? The main race takes place on Sunday, October 4, although the exact race start time is yet to be confirmed. Sepang last hosted an F1 race in 2017, when Max Verstappen won the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Now, nine years later, Formula 1 is returning to one of its most distinctive circuits. Sepang circuit's long straights, fast corners and famously unpredictable tropical conditions should make for an intriguing weekend, while giving fans a chance to see the championship back on Malaysian soil.
For Formula One, the F1 Malaysia GP race is an unexpected return. For the Sepang circuit, it is a chance to write a new chapter. And for fans, this gives an opportunity to watch their F1 racing icons from Kimi Antonelli, Lewis Hamilton to George Russell, one extra time in this 2026 season.