SEPANG International Circuit (SIC) drew more than 260,000 spectators for the 2026 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, setting a new attendance record and signalling strong demand for Formula One racing in Malaysia after a nine-year absence from the calendar.
The three-day crowd surpassed the previous Malaysian Grand Prix record of 126,690 set in 2008, with 103,000 fans attending Sunday’s race alone.
Bahrain International Circuit chief executive Sheikh Salman Isa Al Khalifa confirmed the attendance figure, describing the turnout as the biggest event ever held at SIC.
“Over 260,000 fans came to witness the biggest event ever held at Sepang International Circuit and we are truly grateful to them for bringing their passion and energy,” he said in a statement issued by SIC on Monday.
Sheikh Salman said the F1 platform also offered Bahrain an opportunity to showcase its culture and hospitality to fans across the region at the Malaysian circuit.
The Bahrain GP was held at Sepang from Oct 2 to 4 under an agreement involving Formula 1, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.
Formula 1 confirmed the arrangement in July, allowing the Bahrain GP to remain on the 2026 calendar after the race was cancelled earlier in the season amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
The event marked F1’s return to Sepang after the Malaysian Grand Prix was last held at the circuit in 2017.
SIC hosted the Malaysian GP from 1999 to 2017. - October 5, 2026
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