PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that Malaysia will not incur any registration fees to the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) for hosting the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026, marking a dramatic reduction in the cost of bringing the sport back to Sepang after nearly a decade.
The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 is scheduled to take place at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) from Oct 2 to 4.
Speaking at the Semarak Kenegaraan Programme at Dewan Garisson, Kem Syed Sirajuddin in Gemas, Anwar said the race would be hosted without the substantial registration payments that had previously been required.
“Thank God, Formula 1 is returning after more than a decade. When we last hosted the race in 2017, it cost hundreds of millions. Today, we are hosting it without having to pay any registration fee to the company. It is entirely free," he said.
Anwar explained that the government's only expenditure would be for minor upgrades to the Sepang International Circuit ahead of the race.
"There will only be some expenditure to improve the track. The circuit is currently used for cars, motorcycles and other events, so it requires some upgrading. I estimate the cost will be between RM10 million and RM16 million.
"Other countries spend hundreds of millions, or at least RM1 billion, to host Formula 1. We have only been asked to spend RM16 million to upgrade the track, which will become the stage for the world's most renowned drivers, the most advanced racing cars and thousands of engineers who will travel to Sepang, Malaysia," he said.
The Prime Minister said Malaysia was selected from among dozens of countries considered to host the rescheduled Formula 1 race because of three key strengths.
"There were dozens, if not more, countries that were evaluated. First, the country must be peaceful. Second, its administration must be efficient and well managed. Third, its infrastructure must be superior," he said.
The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 was previously confirmed for Sepang following an announcement by Formula 1 during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend. The race, to be held on Oct 4 at the circuit near Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), will officially be known as the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Also present at the event were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari and Chief of Defence Forces Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman.
Meanwhile, in a Facebook post today, Anwar said the return of Formula 1 to Malaysia marks a new chapter in Malaysia-Bahrain relations, attributing the achievement to the close ties between His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and His Majesty Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
Anwar expressed his deepest appreciation for Sultan Ibrahim's leadership, foresight and initiative in proposing discussions with the Bahraini Government on hosting the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, as well as his gratitude to King Hamad for the confidence placed in Malaysia.
He said the agreement was subsequently finalised through discussions with Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
According to Anwar, Malaysia's selection as host reflects international confidence in the country's peace, stability, administrative efficiency and infrastructure, while further strengthening bilateral ties and delivering mutual benefits to both Malaysia and Bahrain. - July 27, 2026
