Strong Malaysia-Bahrain Ties Underpin Historic Bahrain GP At Sepang
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's selection to host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix following the disruption to the 2026 Formula 1 championship calendar marks a landmark arrangement underpinned by a shared commitment to motorsport excellence and the close ties between the two countries.
The race, scheduled for Oct 2 to 4 at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), will mark the first time the Bahrain Grand Prix has been staged outside the Kingdom since its inauguration in 2004, while retaining its official title.
The announcement was welcomed by F1 drivers and fans, with several teams also sharing messages and throwback posts from their previous races at SIC on social media following the confirmation.
Bahrain's Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr Waleed Khalifa Al Manea, said the arrangement reflected the strong ties between the royal and political leadership of both countries.
The arrangement reflects the strong ties between His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, which were further strengthened during the Malaysian King's state visit to Bahrain in 2025.
It also reflects the close communication and coordination between His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
"This high-level relationship and coordination helped facilitate the arrangements for hosting the event," he said in a written interview with Bernama.
Al Manea described the collaboration as unique and carries a broader significance for the bilateral relations.
"It reflects the high level of trust and cooperation between the two countries and represents another important step in strengthening bilateral relationship.
“It is unique because it brings together Bahrain's leadership and experience in motorsport with Malaysia's extensive experience and strong reputation in hosting Formula 1 and other world-class sporting events,” he said.
The Ambassador said the race is expected to generate spillover benefits beyond motorsport, by creating opportunities for cooperation in tourism, aviation, transport, investment, hospitality and media.
"The race will be organised according to the highest international standards, while the launch of direct Gulf Air flights between Bahrain and Kuala Lumpur ahead of the event will further support travel and connectivity," he said.
The race will return Formula 1 to SIC for the first time since the Malaysian Grand Prix was last held there in 2017, when Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen claimed victory.
SIC hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017, establishing itself as one of F1's best-known venues in Asia.
Though staged thousands of kilometres from Bahrain, the race will retain a subtle link to its traditional home, as both SIC and the Bahrain International Circuit were designed by renowned German circuit architect Hermann Tilke.
-- BERNAMA
