Sultan Ibrahim’s close Bahrain ties helped bring F1 back to Sepang, says Anwar

(From left) Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa attend the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit on October 4, 2026. — Picture from Facebook/Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar

First Published: Monday, 05 Oct 2026 9:06 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 — The close ties between His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa paved the way for Malaysia to host the Formula 1 (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix (GP), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said Malaysia’s selection as host reflected the international community’s confidence in the country and further strengthened its standing as a respected and trusted partner on the global stage.

“I pay tribute to His Majesty the King for the leadership and wisdom, and for His Majesty’s close relationship with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, which paved the way for Malaysia to be selected as host of the 2026 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix,” he said in a post on X yesterday.

Anwar said he also hoped the cooperation would further reinforce ties between Malaysia and Bahrain and create opportunities for broader cooperation that would benefit the people of both countries.

The Prime Minister said he joined His Majesty and Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to watch the race at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

“I also had the opportunity to meet and speak with royal guests who attended today’s race, including the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, as well as other distinguished guests,” he said.

The F1 Gulf Air Bahrain GP 2026, held from October 2 to 4, marked F1’s return to Sepang after a nine-year absence, with the circuit last hosting a race in 2017. — Bernama