- 12 races remain in the 2026 season, from the Dutch Grand Prix (21-23 August) through the season finale in Abu Dhabi (6 December).
- Sepang hosts F1 again on 2-4 October 2026 as the relocated Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix — Malaysia’s first F1 race since 2017.
The 2026 F1 Calendar in Malaysia Time (MYT)
Race-by-Race MYT Start Times
Attending the Sepang Race Live: A Guide for Malaysian Fans
Malaysian fans share the same time zone as the Sepang race, so the real question isn’t what time to set an alarm — it’s how to actually get there. Here’s what’s confirmed so far, and what’s still up in the air.
Getting to Sepang International Circuit
Sepang International Circuit sits in southern Selangor, right next to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
The circuit is only about 6-12km from the KLIA main terminal — roughly an 8-10 minute drive — but around 60km from central Kuala Lumpur, a 45-60 minute drive depending on traffic.
The nearest train station is Salak Tinggi, a stop on the KLIA Ekspres/KLIA Transit (ERL) line from KL Sentral, but it’s still around 4km from the circuit — too far to walk with race-day crowds. I
Driving yourself is straightforward via the KESAS and ELITE highways, but expect heavy congestion approaching the circuit on race day, especially leaving after the chequered flag. E-hailing and metered taxis are the simplest option from KLIA, though 2026 fares, availability, and any race-day surcharges have not yet been announced.
Parking arrangements for the 2026 event, including whether there is a dedicated fan car park and any fees, have not yet been published. Check Sepang International Circuit’s official channels closer to race weekend for confirmed details.
Where to Stay Near Sepang International Circuit
Unlike Marina Bay in Singapore, where hotels ring the circuit, Sepang International Circuit sits in a rural stretch of Selangor with no hotel row of its own — the closest practical base is the KLIA/klia2 airport hotel cluster, about 10-15 minutes’ drive from the circuit gates, so it’s worth booking early since this cluster is limited in size. Some of the closest options include:
- Mövenpick Hotel & Convention Centre KLIA — the closest option by driving time, about 7-10 minutes from the circuit.
- Sama-Sama Hotel KL International Airport — linked to the KLIA terminal by skybridge, about 12-13km from the circuit.
- Holiday Inn Sepang – Airport by IHG — a newer property in nearby Kota Warisan, about 13km from the circuit.
- Tune Hotel KLIA-klia2, Airport Transit Hotel — a budget option connected to the klia2 terminal by covered walkway, about 13-14km out.
- Concorde Inn Kuala Lumpur International Airport — a long-running budget property by KLIA, about 8 minutes’ drive from the circuit.
Compare rates for these and other hotels near KLIA and Sepang on Wego.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the F1 race in Malaysia in 2026?
The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix runs 2-4 October 2026 at Sepang International Circuit, with the race itself on Sunday 4 October. Only the dates are officially confirmed so far — session times are still to be announced.
Why is the Bahrain Grand Prix being held in Malaysia?
The original Bahrain Grand Prix was cancelled after the regional security situation in the Gulf disrupted the 2026 season. Formula 1, the FIA, and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia agreed to relocate the race to Sepang instead of dropping it — the “Why This Matters for Malaysia” section above links to the full story.
What time is the Sepang race in Malaysia time (MYT)?
F1 has not yet published official session times for the Sepang weekend, as of 28 July 2026. Historically, Malaysian Grand Prix races started mid-afternoon local time, around 15:00-16:00 MYT, so a similar slot is likely once confirmed.
Can I buy tickets to watch the Sepang Bahrain GP in person?
Not yet. As of 28 July 2026, official ticket sales have not opened, and Formula 1 says ticketing details will be announced soon.
Keep an eye on formula1.com and Sepang International Circuit’s official channels for the on-sale date, rather than third-party resellers.
How do I get from Kuala Lumpur to Sepang International Circuit?
The circuit is about 60km from central Kuala Lumpur (roughly 45-60 minutes by car) and only about 10 minutes from KLIA. The nearest train station is Salak Tinggi on the KLIA Ekspres/Transit line, though you’ll still need a taxi, e-hailing ride, or shuttle bus to cover the last few kilometres to the circuit.
Is this the Malaysian Grand Prix again, or still officially the Bahrain Grand Prix?
It’s officially still the Bahrain Grand Prix. The event keeps the Gulf Air title sponsorship and the Bahrain Grand Prix name — only the host venue has moved to Sepang.
When did Sepang last host an F1 race?
Sepang hosted F1 for 19 consecutive seasons, from 1999 to 2017. Max Verstappen won the last race there, the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix, making the 2026 event a nine-year return.
Is the Malaysia round of the 2026 calendar official, or still pending approval?
It’s confirmed by Formula 1 and the FIA but not yet finalised. The agreement between Formula 1, the FIA, Bahrain, and Malaysia still requires final sign-off, including approval from the World Motor Sport Council.
What time do the other 2026 F1 races start in Malaysia time?
Among the remaining rounds, MYT start times range from as early as 19:00 (Azerbaijan Grand Prix) to the small hours of the next morning for the Americas rounds — as late as 04:00 MYT (United States and Mexico City Grands Prix).
See the full race-by-race breakdown above for every round.
Plan Your Sepang Race Weekend
Sepang’s return gives Malaysian fans a home race to plan around for the first time in nine years, even with session times and ticket sales still to be confirmed.
If you’re heading to the 2-4 October weekend, compare flights to Kuala Lumpur on Wego and keep this page bookmarked as a quick MYT reference for the rest of the season.
Sources
- Formula1.com — official press release confirming the Sepang round for 2026
- Formula1.com — 2026 F1 race calendar and schedule
- Wikipedia — 2026 Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix (cancellation background)
- The Star — PM teases affordable ‘Madani tickets’ for F1 in October
- Malay Mail — Petronas clarifies role in SIC, says it does not manage F1 Bahrain GP ticket sales
- Malay Mail — PM Anwar says Malaysia’s only cost for Bahrain F1 Grand Prix is RM16m Sepang track upgrades
- Motorsport.com — 2026 F1 season schedule
- F1Calendar.com — 2026 season schedule
- ESPN — Madrid Spanish Grand Prix debut and Imola dropped from the 2026 calendar
- ESPN — 2026 confirmed as the final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort
- The F1 Spectator — Getting to Sepang International Circuit (historical travel guide)
- Malay Mail — Lowest ticket prices yet for Malaysia F1 GP (2017 historical pricing)
- Weather Atlas — Kuala Lumpur October weather averages
- Wego — Bahrain Grand Prix relocation to Sepang, Malaysia
- Wego — Hotels in Sepang, Malaysia (KLIA/klia2 airport hotel area)
- Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts — Hotel & Convention Centre KLIA location and distance to Sepang International Circuit
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
