Anwar tells Bahrain crown prince Malaysia is revved up to host Formula 1 Grand Prix

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday shared updates on the preparations for the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia with Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. — Bernama pic

First Published: Friday, 02 Oct 2026 9:25 AM MYT

Last Modified: Friday, 02 Oct 2026 9:27 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday shared updates on the preparations for the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia with Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Anwar said the updates were shared during a phone call on the sidelines of his visit to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) yesterday.

“I also expressed my appreciation for the close cooperation between Malaysia and Bahrain in making this event a success, with all preparations now in full swing to welcome fans and visitors from all over the world.

“I look forward to meeting the Crown Prince in Malaysia in a few days, God willing, while continuing to strengthen the friendship between the two countries,” he said in a Facebook post.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister participated in a Pit Lane Walk in conjunction with the race, which will be held at SIC from tomorrow until Sunday.

Also present were Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif and Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) chief executive Sheikh Salman Isa Al Khalifa.

SIC was chosen to host the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, making the iconic circuit a temporary venue for the prestigious race.

In July, Formula 1 confirmed Malaysia as the host of the race from Oct 2 to 4 following an agreement between F1, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.

The agreement allowed the Bahrain GP to remain on the 2026 F1 calendar after the race, initially scheduled for earlier this season, was cancelled due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Malaysia previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang from 1999 to 2017 before it was dropped from the F1 calendar. — Bernama