KUALA LUMPUR – The return of Formula 1 to Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has sparked widespread excitement among Malaysian motorsport fans, with many hailing the announcement as a major moment for the country’s sporting landscape.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at SIC from October 2 to 4, marking the return of the world’s premier motorsport championship to Malaysian soil after nearly a decade.
On social media, the Anwar shared a photo of himself speaking on a phone call, sharing that he had the opportunity to speak with Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman Hamad Al Khalifa, as well as Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
“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. We are honoured to support the Kingdom of Bahrain, Formula 1 and the FIA in hosting the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit this year,” Anwar said.
“This collaboration is more than the staging of a world-class sporting event. It reflects the enduring friendship, mutual trust and close partnership between Malaysia and the Kingdom of Bahrain, while reaffirming Malaysia’s readiness and capability to host major international events.”
“Malaysia stands ready to welcome Formula 1, the 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.”
The announcement immediately gained traction online, with Malaysians flooding social media platforms with messages of celebration, appreciation and anticipation for the race weekend.
Many described the development as one of the biggest sporting announcements in recent years, while others expressed gratitude to Anwar for helping secure the return of Formula 1 to Sepang.
One social media user, hazwanhfiz, wrote: “This shows the importance of having a leader with top-level connections and diplomacy.”
Another user, holgerdeh, praised the announcement as the “best news of the day”.
The news also drew strong reactions from Formula 1 supporters, many of whom credited Anwar’s efforts in bringing the event back to Malaysia.
“Prime Minister, F1 fans around the world and especially Malaysians, will thank you for bringing Formula 1 back to Sepang,” wrote a user known as iamjd44.
Another commenter, Pingsworld, said the initiative had further strengthened her support for the prime minister.
User itsmeayiee highlighted the importance of international relationships in securing an event of Formula 1’s global stature.
“F1 doesn’t happen overnight. It takes trust, relationships, and leadership. Mantap PMX,” the user commented.
In a joint statement, organisers confirmed that the race In Malaysia will take place between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix on the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the return to Sepang highlighted the strong partnership between Formula 1, the governing body and Malaysia’s motorsport community.
“I am incredibly proud of the collaboration that will enable Malaysia to host the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at the iconic Sepang circuit later this year.
“Throughout this process, the FIA, Formula One Management, and our partners in Bahrain have worked tirelessly to explore every option, with the safety and wellbeing of the teams, volunteers, officials, our colleagues, and fans remaining our highest priority.
“Malaysia has long held an important place in the history of Formula 1 and the return of the Championship to Sepang is testament to our close relationship with the Motorsports Association of Malaysia, the continued commitment of the Malaysian Government, and the strength of international cooperation within our sport.
“My sincere thanks to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain, for their vision and support in making this possible. We look forward to welcoming the global motorsport community back to Sepang.”
Although the event will be held at Sepang International Circuit, it will retain its official title as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix hosted by Malaysia, rather than being renamed the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Sepang last hosted a Formula 1 race in 2017, bringing an end to an 18-year run since the circuit first joined the calendar in 1999. During that period, the Malaysian Grand Prix became one of Asia’s most recognisable motorsport events.
The return of Formula 1 is expected to attract thousands of fans from Malaysia and across the region, providing a major boost for the country’s motorsport industry and tourism sector.
For many Malaysians, the comeback is not merely the revival of a world-class sporting event but also a nostalgic return to an era when Sepang stood as a key fixture on the global racing map. – July 26, 2026