KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s return to the Formula 1 calendar through the hosting of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is the result of successful royal diplomacy, reflecting the close relationship and strong trust between Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim and Bahrain’s King Hamad Isa Al Khalifa.
The Bahrain monarch was among the foreign dignitaries who attended Sultan Ibrahim’s installation as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 2024, further underscoring the strong ties between the two nations.
According to a statement posted on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s official Facebook page, the decision to hold the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) followed discussions between the two leaders after armed conflicts in West Asia created uncertainty over the F1 race calendar.
The statement said King Hamad had contacted Sultan Ibrahim by telephone as he sought a solution to ensure the prestigious race could continue despite the challenges.
“The discussion, which took place in a warm atmosphere filled with friendship and camaraderie, became the starting point for a strategic cooperation between the Government of Malaysia, the Government of Bahrain, Formula 1 and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
“Following this understanding, an agreement was successfully reached to host the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit, thus bringing Formula 1 back to Malaysia after the race was last held in 2017,” the statement said.
The statement added that the announcement of Sepang as the host venue was well received, particularly among F1 fans in Malaysia and the region, creating a historic milestone that reflected the strong royal diplomatic ties between Sultan Ibrahim and King Hamad.
Formula 1 confirmed yesterday that Malaysia would host the Bahrain Grand Prix following an agreement reached between Formula 1, the FIA, and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.
In announcing Malaysia as the host venue for the Bahrain GP, FIA expressed its appreciation to Sultan Ibrahim for offering Sepang as an alternative venue for the race.
“I would like to express my highest appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, as well as their respective governments, for making this extraordinary achievement possible through their vision, commitment and decisive action,” said Formula 1 President and Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali.
The event, scheduled to take place at SIC from 2 to 4 October, will retain its original title as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, subject to final approval and official clearance, including from the World Motor Sport Council.
The agreement allows the Bahrain GP to remain on the 2026 F1 calendar after the race was cancelled earlier this season due to escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Malaysia previously hosted the Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang from 1999 to 2017, before the race was dropped from the F1 calendar. – July 27, 2026