Malaysia to Host Bahrain Grand Prix as Doubts Remain Over Qatar and Abu Dhabi Races

Formula 1 experienced major developments on both the organizational and sporting fronts over the weekend after Formula 1 and the FIA confirmed that Malaysia will host the postponed Bahrain Grand Prix. The announcement came as Lando Norris claimed victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, reshuffling the battle among the constructors, while Italian driver Kimi Antonelli strengthened his lead in the Drivers' Championship.

Formula 1 and the FIA announced in a joint statement issued during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend that the Bahrain Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April before being cancelled because of the conflict in the Middle East, will now take place at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit from 2 to 4 October.

The decision was made after it became impossible to stage the race in Bahrain, with the Malaysian government agreeing to host the event, drawing on its extensive experience in organizing Formula 1 races.

Sepang is one of the most iconic circuits on the Formula 1 calendar, having hosted 19 Grands Prix between 1999 and 2017. The circuit also stages a round of the MotoGP World Championship each year, making it fully prepared to welcome Formula 1 once again.

With this solution in place, the 2026 Formula 1 calendar will now consist of 23 races instead of the originally planned 24, following the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah, which will not be replaced on the schedule.

Despite the rescheduling of the Bahrain race, uncertainty still surrounds the final stages of the season, with doubts remaining over whether the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will go ahead as planned in late November and early December amid ongoing regional tensions.

Formula 1 management is reportedly evaluating several contingency plans, including staging two consecutive races in Las Vegas or relocating the final two rounds to Europe, with Italy's Imola circuit and Portugal's Portimão circuit emerging as the leading alternatives. However, no final decision is expected before the end of September or the beginning of October, pending further developments in the regional security situation.

Norris Triumphs in Hungary

Meanwhile, reigning World Champion Lando Norris of McLaren claimed victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring in Budapest, securing his first win of the season after delivering an impressive drive in which he recovered from a difficult start to reclaim the lead.

Norris started from pole position but lost first place on the opening lap to his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri of Australia. He later regained the lead through a successful race strategy and consistent pace, maintaining his advantage all the way to the chequered flag.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen finished second, while Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli completed the podium in third, allowing the Italian to retain his lead in the Drivers' Championship.

The victory marked Norris' second consecutive triumph at the Hungaroring and the 12th win of his Formula 1 career, while also delivering McLaren's 204th Grand Prix victory.

Antonelli, meanwhile, extended his championship advantage to 50 points over his closest challenger, Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton. The British driver originally crossed the line in fourth place but dropped to fifth after receiving a five-second time penalty for speeding in the pit lane, promoting his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc of Monaco to fourth.

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