Formula 1 has announced the reintroduction of a Malaysia-based race during the 2026 season.The Sepang International Circuit has not held a Grand Prix on the F1 calendar since 2017, but is on course for a comeback later on this year.F1 is set to return to Malaysia in 2026GettyMalaysia will host a race at Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4, in between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix.It will be presented as the Bahrain Grand Prix after the original race was cancelled in March.Due to the conflict in the Middle East, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix were scrapped amid safety concerns.They were scheduled to take place on April 12 and 19 respectively, but the cancellations meant there was no racing that month.As it stands, the season-ending Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix are still set to take place despite the ongoing tensions.F1 confirm Malaysia Grand Prix for 2026 calendarStefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026. Once again, the sport has demonstrated its ability to adapt, find solutions, and deliver, creating an exciting moment for everyone who follows Formula 1.“I would like to express our sincere thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, as well as their respective governments for making this extraordinary outcome possible through their vision, commitment, and decisive action.“Of course, I would also like to thank FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his partnership and collaboration throughout the process.“Most importantly, this is fantastic news for our fans. They will continue to enjoy a full and exciting Formula 1 calendar, while also seeing the sport return to a great venue. Malaysia is an incredible country, and Sepang holds a special place in Formula 1 history.“It will provide a spectacular setting for racing and an unforgettable experience for fans at the circuit and watching around the world.”The Sepang International Circuit is known for ‘exciting racing, passionate fans and unpredictable weather’ says F1GettyWho has won a Malaysian Grand Prix?F1 first touched down at the 3.4-mile Sepang circuit in 1999, shortly after its construction was completed.Eddie Irvine was the inaugural winner with Ferrari, who then won the next three editions thanks to the legendary Michael Schumacher.Renault later claimed back-to-back victories in 2005 and 2006 with Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella.Former world champion Sebastian Vettel then won three out of four races from 2010 to 2013 during his iconic stint with Red Bull.Max Verstappen was the last driver to win in 2017 with Red Bull, with what was just the second of his 71 Grand Prix victories to date.Verstappen was the last driver to take the chequered flag in MalaysiaGettyThe 2026 F1 season so farKimi Antonelli currently leads the drivers’ standings with 204 points after six wins from ten races, most recently in Belgium.The Mercedes star is followed by their former world champion Lewis Hamilton on 159, whilst fellow Brit George Russell has 154.Mercedes top the constructors’ rankings on 358, with Ferrari and McLaren banking 285 and 195 respectively.Sunday brings the Hungarian Grand Prix, and it’s reigning champion Lando Norris who will start on pole.Hamilton could have started alongside him on the front row, but will be in fifth after a three-place penalty for blocking Oscar Piastri.His Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc is the man to replace him there.