‘But it’s going to be in Malaysia!’ Bahrain GP boss reveals shock phone call that sent F1 race to Sepang

Bahrain circuit chief Sheikh Salman Isa Al Khalifa said Malaysia’s Formula 1 pedigree helped make Sepang a natural choice for the relocated race. — Bernama pic

First Published: Saturday, 03 Oct 2026 3:29 PM MYT

SEPANG, Oct 3 — The decision to stage the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix (GP) at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this year came as a complete surprise to Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) chief executive Sheikh Salman Isa Al Khalifa.

Sheikh Salman said he learned of the plan on a phone call as he was leaving the 2026 Belgian GP at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Stavelot, Belgium, last July.

Recalling how the Bahrain Grand Prix came to be held at SIC this year, Sheikh Salman said it was Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman Hamad Al Khalifa, who called to inform him the race would be held in Malaysia.

“It’s a very interesting one. I got a phone call from His Royal Highness while I was leaving Spa, and he’s like, ‘Hi Salman, just want to let you know, the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is happening this year.’

“I was like, ‘Yes!’ ‘...but it’s going to be in Malaysia. I’m on a flight, I’ll call you when I land,’” he said in an interview with international media recently.

Sheikh Salman said the decision took some deliberation at first, but the strong ties between Bahrain and Malaysia, combined with Sepang’s pedigree as a former Formula 1 host, ultimately made the arrangement a natural fit.

He also lauded Malaysia and SIC, which hosted Formula 1 from 1999 to 2017, for bringing the race back to the iconic circuit this weekend.

“I mean, Malaysia’s fantastic. We’ve watched great racing here over the years,” he said.

In July, Formula 1 confirmed that Malaysia would play host to the Gulf Air Bahrain GP from October 2 to 4, under an agreement struck between Formula 1, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.

The deal keeps the Bahrain GP alive on the 2026 F1 calendar after the race was scrapped earlier this season amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

The race’s staging at Sepang, Prince Salman said in July, was made possible with the blessings of the King of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, and Malaysia’s King, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, a testament to the close and brotherly ties between the two nations.

“I am proud to join Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in announcing that Bahrain will host the GP at the SIC. This will be a wonderful experience for fans around the world and reflects Bahrain’s enduring commitment to, and passion for, the sport,” Prince Salman was quoted as saying.

The qualifying session will be held at 4pm later today, while the race starts at 3 pm tomorrow. — Bernama