PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) in October is poised to generate wide-ranging economic benefits, reinforcing Malaysia's ambitions to leverage the global sporting spectacle as a catalyst for tourism, investment and economic expansion.
In a Facebook post, Anwar said the event is expected to stimulate the tourism sector, create employment opportunities, spur commercial activity and strengthen investor confidence, while providing fresh momentum for Visit Malaysia 2026.
The Prime Minister said these objectives were central to his meeting with Singapore Grand Prix Executive Director Michael Roche, where Malaysia sought to learn from Singapore's experience and best practices in staging a successful Formula 1 event.
He said insights from countries with a proven track record of hosting Formula 1 would serve as an important benchmark to ensure the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at SIC is organised to the highest international standards.
"God willing, we are committed to ensuring that this event not only meets international standards but also strengthens Malaysia's position as a regional motorsports hub and delivers wide-ranging benefits to the people and the national economy," he said.
Formula 1 and the FIA have confirmed that the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at SIC from Oct 2 to 4 under a collaboration between Malaysia and Bahrain, after the race was postponed from its original April date at the Bahrain International Circuit due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The event will mark Formula 1's return to Sepang for the first time since the Malaysian Grand Prix was removed from the championship calendar after the 2017 season, ending an uninterrupted run that began in 1999. - August 6, 2026
