CLOSE ties between Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa helped pave the way for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix to be staged at Sepang, the Prime Minister says
Anwar said the successful hosting of the race demonstrated international confidence in Malaysia while providing fresh momentum to bilateral relations between Malaysia and Bahrain.
“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 on Sunday.
He said the cooperation should further strengthen Malaysia-Bahrain ties and create opportunities for broader collaboration that would benefit the people of both countries.
Anwar said he joined Sultan Ibrahim and Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to watch the race at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
He also met royal guests attending the event, including Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah and other distinguished guests.
The 2026 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, held from Oct 2 to 4, marked Formula 1’s return to Sepang after a nine-year absence, with the circuit last hosting the sport in 2017.
Anwar described the race as a memorable occasion for motorsport fans, praising the drivers and teams for delivering an exciting and fiercely contested event despite the rain.
He congratulated Max Verstappen, Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton, as well as the Red Bull Racing team, on their achievements and joined Prince Salman in presenting trophies to the successful drivers and teams.
The race was staged in Malaysia following an agreement involving Formula 1, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.
The return of F1 to Sepang provided a high-profile platform for Malaysia and Bahrain to deepen ties while bringing the sport back to Malaysian fans after nine years. - October 5, 2026
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