Sepang International Circuit

Sepang International Circuit – Malaysia's Return to the Formula 1 Calendar in 2026

For the 2026 season, the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia is stepping in as a short-notice replacement venue to officially host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. This marks Formula 1's return, after a nine-year gap, to the venue that served as the permanent home of the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017.

The switch is due to the conflict in the Middle East: the race originally planned for Sakhir, Bahrain, had to be relocated as a result. The event officially retains the name Bahrain Grand Prix, as it is taking over that race's slot on the calendar.

Key Facts

• Circuit opened: 1999
• 2026 race weekend: October 2–4, 2026, with the race itself on October 4
• Calendar slot: Round 16 of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship
• Circuit length: 5.543 km, 15 turns
• Design: Hermann Tilke
• Capacity: approx. 130,000 spectators
• Location: Sepang, Selangor state, directly adjacent to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
• F1 history: Host of the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017

Design and Track Layout

Sepang was one of Hermann Tilke's first "modern-era" F1 circuits and remains a blueprint for many later track designs. It's known for wide run-off areas, a long start/finish straight paired with a second parallel straight, and a hairpin at Turns 1/2 that has historically produced dramatic overtakes. Tropical heat, high humidity, and sudden downpours make it one of the more physically demanding stops on the calendar.

Significance for Formula 1

• F1 2026: Host of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix — stepping in on short notice for the Bahrain International Circuit due to the conflict in the Middle East
• Previous era: Permanent host of the Malaysian Grand Prix (1999–2017)
• Historic: Formula 1's first race in Malaysia in nine years
• Other current use: Regular host of MotoGP's Malaysian round and other motorsport series

Getting There

Sepang International Circuit sits about a 45-minute drive south of central Kuala Lumpur and just minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Formula 1 race in Malaysia?
The race weekend runs from October 2–4, 2026, with the race itself on October 4.

How long is the Sepang International Circuit?
The circuit is 5.543 km long with 15 turns.

Why is the Bahrain Grand Prix taking place in Malaysia?
The race originally scheduled for Sakhir, Bahrain, had to be relocated due to the conflict in the Middle East. Sepang is stepping in as a replacement venue, though the event officially keeps the name Bahrain Grand Prix.

How many spectators does the Sepang International Circuit hold?
The circuit has a capacity of approximately 130,000 spectators.

How do I get to the Sepang International Circuit?
The circuit is about a 45-minute drive south of Kuala Lumpur, right next to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).