World-class race will showcase country’s hospitality, strengthen diplomatic ties
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s hosting of the Formula 1 (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this year is more than the staging of a world-class sporting event, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said that while Malaysia is honoured to host the race, the collaboration reflects the enduring friendship, mutual trust and close partnership between Malaysia and Bahrain.
He said it also reaffirms Malaysia’s readiness and capability to host major international events.
“I 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 yesterday.
F1 announced that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix at the SIC from Oct 2 to 4 this year.
“Positioned between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grand Prix, this event, which is subject to final agreements and official sign-off, will become the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia,” the organisation said.
Anwar also said Malaysia stands ready to welcome F1, the Federation 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, the 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.
In mid-March, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April, were postponed following the war in the Middle East, reducing this season’s calendar from 24 to 22 races.
According to reports, if the final two races of the season in Qatar on Nov 29 and Abu Dhabi on Dec 6 cannot proceed because of the conflict in West Asia, F1 management was considering several alternative venues.
As a result, the reports said Malaysia and Turkiye were among the candidates touted to host the race on Oct 4.
SIC previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017 before it was removed from the calendar due to rising hosting costs and licensing fees.
