PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is honoured to host the Formula 1 (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this year, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the collaboration is more than the staging of a world-class sporting event, as it reflected the enduring friendship, mutual trust and close partnership between Malaysia and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
He also said it reaffirmed Malaysia’s readiness and capability to host major international events.
“Had the opportunity to speak with His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as F1 president and chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali.
“I extend my deepest appreciation to His Royal Highness, as well as the government and people of Bahrain, for the trust and confidence they have placed in Malaysia,” he said in a statement on Sunday (July 26).
In a post on its official social media account earlier, F1 announced that Malaysia would host the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit from Oct 2 to 4 this year.
Anwar also said Malaysia stands ready to welcome Formula 1, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the teams and fans from around the world back to Sepang.
“We look forward to showcasing our world-class infrastructure, operational excellence and warm hospitality, while further strengthening the bonds between our two nations through this special occasion,” he said.
Meanwhile, FIA also confirmed the announcement on its official social media account.
"The FIA and Formula One Management (FOM) confirm that Malaysia will join the 2026 calendar as the host venue for the Bahrain Grand Prix," it said.
SIC hosted the Malaysian GP from 1999 to 2017 before it was removed from the calendar due to rising hosting costs and licensing fees.
In mid-March, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races scheduled for April were postponed following the Middle East war, reducing this season’s calendar from 24 to 22 races.
Based on reports, if the final two races of the season in Qatar on Nov 29 and Abu Dhabi on Dec 6 cannot proceed due to the conflict in West Asia, F1 management is considering several other options.
As a result, Malaysia and Turkiye were among the candidates to host a race on Oct 4, according to reports.
