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Twelve drivers will debut at Sepang during the Bahrain Grand Prix

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 30, 2026, 12:01 PM

Last updated Jul 30, 2026

Twelve drivers will debut at Sepang during the Bahrain Grand Prix

Summary

The Sepang International Circuit will return to the Formula 1 calendar in early October, hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix for the first time after nearly a decade. Twelve of the current drivers, including notable names from Mercedes and McLaren, have yet to race in Malaysia. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed the decision to stage the race at Sepang and expressed gratitude to local authorities for their support. The event marks a significant return for the sport to a venue with a rich history in F1, although future race locations remain under consideration due to regional conflicts.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Sepang has been absent from the F1 calendar for almost 10 years.
•The Sakhir Grand Prix will be replaced by the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang.
•Twelve drivers on the current grid have never competed at Sepang.
•Stefano Domenicali praised Malaysian and Bahraini cooperation for the race.
•Future races may shift depending on regional stability and scheduling.

Latest Updates

12:01 PMYahoo Sports — The 12 drivers to make their Sepang debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix

What they're saying

"
The Sepang International Circuit will return to the Formula 1 calendar in early October after an absence of almost 10 years, although the race will officially be held under the Bahrain Grand Prix name. Unlike in 2017, however, many drivers on the current grid have never raced in Malaysia.
— Yahoo Sports

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