A Thailand Super Series race scheduled for September at the Sepang International Circuit has been cancelled after Formula One confirmed the venue would host the Bahrain Grand Prix. The round was due to be the fourth of five in the series, but the circuit now requires preparation for the F1 event.
The track was originally set to host two races this year. The second, in September, was planned a fortnight before the rescheduled F1 weekend but is no longer possible due to Grand Prix preparations. Surface cleaning and strict safety and system checks will take place instead.
Official cancellation and explanation
A letter addressed to “competitors and partners” of the Thailand Super Series, signed by vice president Preeda Tantemsapya, stated: “The official announcement made by Formula 1 and the FIA yesterday, that Malaysia will host the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit on October 2-4 … means the circuit will have to be closed for strict safety, surface cleaning and system checks in preparation for the Formula 1 event.”
It continued: “Hence, we regret to inform you that we have received notification from the circuit management that they are unable to proceed with the Sepang event originally scheduled for September 18-20. Following receipt of this notification, we are actively working with different parties, looking at all the possible alternative dates and plan to reschedule the event.”
A similar message on the racing series’ Facebook page said: “We sincerely apologise for this unforeseen situation beyond our control and appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued support. Further updates will be announced as soon as they become available. Thank you for your continued trust and cooperation.”
Background and remaining uncertainty
The Bahrain race was originally scheduled for April but scrapped alongside the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to conflict in the Middle East. Continued hostilities derailed plans for a race at the Bahrain International Circuit in October, prompting the Gulf nation to pay for a race to be held 3,750 miles away in Malaysia. Sepang last hosted an F1 race in 2017.
F1 bosses are hopeful the Sepang race marks the final calendar alteration for 2026, but uncertainty remains over the final two rounds in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates as ceasefires have repeatedly collapsed. On Monday, Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry confirmed air defence systems had intercepted drones launched from Iraq by Iran-aligned groups. F1 and the FIA will be unable to stage races in those nations if the threat persists.
