Brief
Bahrain Grand Prix to be held in Malaysia after Middle East cancellations
The race will keep its Bahrain branding but will be staged at Sepang, with rosewater replacing champagne on the podium.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Formula One’s 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will take place at Malaysia’s Sepang circuit this weekend, after the original Bahrain and Saudi Arabia events were cancelled when the United States and Israel attacked Iran in February.
Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa secured an agreement to host the race in Malaysia, preserving the Bahrain name and trophy while substituting rosewater for champagne to respect regional customs.
The grid includes Mercedes driver George Russell, who won the preceding Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Isack Hadjar and Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli, who leads the championship with 302 points.
Key facts
- The Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at Sepang in Malaysia. (standard.co.uk)
- The move follows cancellations of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races after a war in the Middle East. (standard.co.uk)
- Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa arranged the Malaysia hosting deal. (standard.co.uk)
- Rosewater will replace champagne on the podium to align with local customs. (standard.co.uk)
- George Russell, Max Verstappen, Isack Hadjar and Kimi Antonelli are among the drivers competing. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Why is Bahrain Grand Prix taking place in Malaysia?”
