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F1 Returns to Sepang in October 2026 (Updated)

Last updated: (Malaysia time). Updated with published session times, ticket information, concerts and transport arrangements. Circuit parking passes are now sold out.

Travel guide · Formula 1

Formula 1 returns to Sepang on 2–4 October. Here is your updated guide to tickets, Malaysian session times, where to stay and getting to the circuit.

After an absence of nine years, Formula 1 is returning to Sepang International Circuit. The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 will take place from 2 to 4 October 2026, making it the first F1 race held at Sepang since 2017.

Yes, the official name sounds unusual. It is the Bahrain Grand Prix, but it will be hosted at Sepang under a special arrangement involving Formula 1, the FIA and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia.

For Malaysian fans, it is a rare chance to watch Formula 1 at home again. For international visitors, it creates an appealing combination: a full race weekend and a few extra days exploring Kuala Lumpur or elsewhere in Malaysia.

Race weekend2–4 October 2026
VenueSepang International Circuit
Ticket statusSales launched; check availability

In this guide

F1 Sepang 2026: the essential information

The race is listed on Formula 1’s current calendar, ticket sales have launched and the weekend timetable has been published. The August version of this guide is superseded by the information below.

Official event Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026
Dates Friday, 2 October to Sunday, 4 October 2026
Venue PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Jalan Pekeliling, KLIA, Selangor
Qualifying Saturday, 3 October, 4:00 pm MYT
Race start Sunday, 4 October, 3:00 pm MYT
Tickets Sales launched; availability varies by category

F1 Malaysia 2026 ticket prices

The organiser’s ticket page lists these tax-inclusive, three-day prices. A displayed price does not guarantee remaining stock.

Area MyKad rate shown International listing
Main Grandstand RM2,083.40 US$565.40
K1 Grandstand RM1,386.00 Sold out
F Grandstand RM1,291.40 Sold out
K2 Hillstand RM809.60 US$220.00
B General Admission RM809.60 US$220.00
C Hillstand Sold out Sold out
G Hillstand RM200.00 listed; verify availability Not listed

MyKad rates require Malaysian citizenship and verification. The two price lists show different availability labels, so check your eligible category directly with the organiser. Payments are processed in Bahraini dinars at the prevailing exchange rate.

Children aged 3–6 receive a 25% discount, excluding G Hillstand under the MyKad offer. Under-threes enter free without an allocated seat. Confirm the applicable conditions before purchasing.

For accessible seating, Formula 1’s ticket announcement directs visitors to call +973 1745 0000. Discuss seating and access needs before booking transport.

F1 Sepang 2026 schedule: Malaysian times

All times below are Malaysia time (MYT, UTC+8), taken from the official local-time timetable. Timings remain subject to change.

Date Session MYT
Friday, 2 October Practice 1 12:30–1:30 pm
Friday, 2 October Practice 2 4:00–5:00 pm
Saturday, 3 October Practice 3 12:30–1:30 pm
Saturday, 3 October Qualifying 4:00–5:00 pm
Sunday, 4 October Drivers’ parade 1:00–1:30 pm
Sunday, 4 October Grand Prix 3:00 pm start

Formula Trophy Malaysia also features on the programme, with races on Saturday at 2:15 pm and Sunday at 11:45 am. Plan to reach your seat before your first chosen session; the listed start time is not an arrival target.

Concerts: Axwell and Martin Garrix

Axwell is scheduled for Saturday, 3 October, and Martin Garrix for Sunday, 4 October. The organiser lists separate upgrades of US$50 and US$100 respectively, subject to availability. A concert upgrade also requires a corresponding F1 race-weekend ticket. Check the official concert page before purchasing, and factor the show into your return journey.

Why Sepang can produce such an interesting race

Sepang’s 5.543-kilometre layout has 15 corners and eight straights. Its broad track, long straights and heavy-braking areas create room for overtaking. Then there is the weather: Malaysia’s heat, humidity and sudden tropical rain can change an entire race within minutes.

The Main Grandstand is worth considering if you want a broader view of the pit straight and nearby corners. Seats around the final hairpin may appeal to fans who enjoy late braking and overtaking attempts. Check the final grandstand map and screen locations before choosing a ticket.

A little history: Sepang hosted its first Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1999. The previous F1 race here was held in 2017 and won by Max Verstappen.

Where should you stay for F1 Sepang?

There is no single best area. The real choice is between a shorter race-day journey and a fuller Kuala Lumpur holiday.

Sepang or KLIA: best for circuit convenience

Staying in the wider Sepang or airport area reduces the distance you need to cover on race days. This is especially useful for three-day ticket holders, families who prefer shorter journeys, or anyone flying soon after the weekend.

Examples include Mövenpick Hotel & Convention Centre KLIA, Sama-Sama Hotel KLIA and other airport hotels around KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The trade-off is having fewer city attractions, restaurants and nightlife within easy reach.

Putrajaya or Cyberjaya: the middle-ground option

Putrajaya and Cyberjaya offer a compromise between Sepang and central Kuala Lumpur. There are hotels, serviced apartments, restaurants and shopping facilities, and the road journey to Sepang is generally shorter than from the city centre.

KLIA Transit serves Putrajaya & Cyberjaya, but you will still need road transport for the final journey to the circuit or a connection to one of the published shuttle departure points.

Kuala Lumpur: best for a complete city holiday

International visitors who want to combine Formula 1 with restaurants, shopping, nightlife and landmarks may prefer KL Sentral, Bukit Bintang or KLCC.

KL Sentral is convenient for the airport rail link, while Bukit Bintang and KLCC place you nearer the city’s major attractions. The trade-off is the longest and least predictable race-day journey.

Suggested hotel dates: Thursday, 1 October to Monday, 5 October 2026. Arriving on Thursday gives you time to check in and recover before Friday practice. Leaving on Monday avoids rushing from the Sunday race straight to a flight.

Check remaining availability and cancellation terms before reserving. Hotel examples are illustrative, not endorsements.

Getting to Sepang International Circuit

Kuala Lumpur International Airport is close to the circuit, but the practical last-mile arrangements matter. KLIA Ekspres takes approximately 28 minutes from KL Sentral to KLIA Terminal 1. KLIA Transit also serves Putrajaya & Cyberjaya and Salak Tinggi.

Neither train travels directly to Sepang International Circuit. If you travel part of the way by rail, you will still require road transport for the final leg.

Parking and official shuttles

The organiser says circuit parking is sold out. Existing pass holders must collect their passes at Mitsui Outlet Park and follow their emailed instructions.

Shuttles are listed for ticket holders on 2–4 October, 7:00 am–midnight, from:

  • Mitsui Outlet Park
  • KLIA Terminal 2
  • KLIA Long-Term Car Park
  • De-Village @ Enstek, Persiaran Millenia 2

Parking is listed at these departure points. Confirm charges and boarding arrangements through the official transport page; do not assume a rail ticket includes a shuttle. Internal circuit shuttles are also planned.

Taxis, e-hailing and private drivers

Official guidance places taxi/e-hailing drop-off by the main entrance and identifies a designated taxi rank for departures. Private-driver access should be checked separately with your provider.

When arranging a driver, agree on your hotel pickup, passenger count, luggage, waiting time and return meeting point. Ask whether parking, tolls and any overtime are included. A comfortable car makes the journey easier, but access restrictions and traffic still apply.

Leave room in your itinerary for queuing, security checks and walking. If you are staying for a concert, tell your driver when requesting a quote.

Advice for Malaysian visitors

If you live in the Klang Valley

Travelling to and from the circuit each day may be possible, but leave a generous buffer for congestion, parking and the walk from your vehicle to the grandstand. If you are attending all three days, even one or two nights near Sepang may make the weekend less tiring.

If you are travelling from another state

Try to arrive by Thursday evening or early Friday. Starting a long drive from Penang, Johor, Perak, Pahang or elsewhere on qualifying or race morning creates unnecessary risk.

If you are bringing children or elderly relatives

Think beyond the drive itself. Walking distance, heat, rain, toilet access and the slow post-race exit can be more demanding than expected. Comfortable shoes, ear protection and a realistic pace will matter.

Advice for international visitors

KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are the closest major air gateways to Sepang. Confirm which terminal your airline uses, because the two terminals are separate.

Before departure, check whether your nationality requires a visa and review the latest Malaysia Digital Arrival Card requirements. Passport and entry rules can change, so rely on official Malaysian government information rather than an old travel article.

Keep the full Friday-to-Sunday weekend free instead of arriving on race morning. Check your travel insurance coverage and accommodation terms, and keep copies of your confirmed tickets and transfer arrangements.

What to wear and bring to Sepang

October is typically hot and humid, with the possibility of sudden rain and thunderstorms. METMalaysia notes that west-coast states can experience strong afternoon thunderstorms during the inter-monsoon period.

A practical packing list

  • Light, breathable clothing
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Cap or hat and sunscreen
  • Compact rain poncho
  • Portable phone charger
  • Ear protection, especially for children
  • Any required medication
  • A small towel
  • Offline copies of key travel details
  • Reusable water bottle, if final rules permit it

Umbrellas, large bags, outside food and certain containers may be restricted. Check the organiser’s current entry conditions before packing your race-day bag; rules from previous Sepang events may differ.

Before you book anything non-refundable

  1. Confirm your ticket category, remaining availability and any MyKad eligibility requirements through the official organiser.
  2. Check the Malaysian session times and choose which support races or concerts you want to attend.
  3. Confirm your hotel reservation and cancellation terms.
  4. Choose your shuttle or agreed drop-off plan; do not rely on buying circuit parking on arrival.
  5. For overseas travel, check entry requirements with Malaysian Immigration.
  6. Review the weather forecast, entry conditions and organiser emails before leaving.

Sepang’s F1 return deserves a weekend you can enjoy from the first practice session to the final lap. With your ticket, stay and return transport arranged, you can concentrate on the racing.

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