SEPANG, 29 September 2026 – Formula 1 is heading back to Sepang this weekend as the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 prepares to bring three days of high-speed racing, international motorsport and live entertainment to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) from 2 to 4 October.
The highly anticipated event marks the return of Formula 1 to Malaysia’s iconic circuit for the first time since 2017, with tens of thousands of fans expected to make their way to Sepang for a packed race weekend.
Organised in collaboration with Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and SIC, the event combines the spectacle of Formula 1 with a full programme of support racing, concerts and family entertainment.
Limited race-weekend tickets remain available through the official Bahrain Grand Prix website, with fans encouraged to secure their tickets ahead of the event.
Three Days of F1 Action
SIC will open its gates to the public from 8.30am on Friday and Saturday, while Sunday’s gates will open at 10am.
The Formula 1 weekend gets underway on Friday with two 60-minute practice sessions.
The first practice session is scheduled for 12.30pm, followed by the second session at 4pm. Saturday will feature a final 60-minute practice session at 12.30pm, before qualifying gets underway at 4pm.
Qualifying will determine the starting grid for Sunday’s main event – the 56-lap F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026, scheduled to start at 3pm on Sunday, 4 October.
For fans attending the circuit, that means three full days of Formula 1 action, from the opening practice laps through to the chequered flag on Sunday afternoon.
Formula Trophy Malaysia Adds More Track Action
Formula 1 will be supported throughout the weekend by Formula Trophy Malaysia (FTM), giving fans an opportunity to watch some of Southeast Asia’s emerging single-seater talent.
The junior championship features identical Tatuus F4-T421 racing cars powered by Abarth, with all competitors running on Giti tyres.
FTM will begin its weekend programme with two 30-minute practice sessions on Friday at 10.15am and 2pm.
Qualifying follows on Saturday at 10.30am, before the drivers contest two 27-lap races.
The opening race will take place on Saturday at 2.15pm, with the second race scheduled for 11.45am on Sunday.
The championship provides an additional showcase for the region’s young racing talent alongside the world’s premier single-seater series.
From F1 to Live Music
Beyond the racing, the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 will also transform SIC into a weekend entertainment destination.
The event’s Fanzone will feature a range of activities for fans and families, including performances by the renowned Chinese Acrobats, roaming performers and other attractions throughout the weekend.
Music will also take centre stage, with two major international acts scheduled to perform during the grand prix weekend.
Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Axwell will headline the Saturday evening entertainment, with his performance scheduled for 7.35pm on 3 October.
On Sunday evening, multi-platinum-selling artist Martin Garrix will take over the SIC stage for the post-race celebrations, scheduled to begin at 8.40pm.
Concert access is available exclusively to race-weekend ticket holders, with separate tickets priced at US$50 for Axwell and US$100 for Martin Garrix. A separate ticket is required for each performance.
Sepang Ready for an F1 Weekend
With Formula 1 returning to Sepang after a nine-year absence, the weekend is set to bring together the worlds of international motorsport, entertainment and Malaysian fan culture at one of the country’s most recognisable sporting venues.
For racing fans, the focus will be on the Formula 1 grid and the battle over 56 laps on Sunday. For families and music fans, the Fanzone and evening concerts add another dimension to the weekend.
SIC will close its public gates at 8.30pm on Friday and Saturday, and at 6pm on Sunday.
With race week now underway, Sepang is preparing to once again become the centre of the Formula 1 world – with engines, crowds and live entertainment set to fill the circuit across three action-packed days.
For more information and remaining race-weekend tickets, visit the official Bahrain Grand Prix website or follow Bahrain International Circuit and Sepang International Circuit on social media.
