.png)
KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today thanked the Government of Bahrain for placing its trust in Malaysia and the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) to host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026.
In a Facebook post, Anwar said close cooperation between SIC and the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), coupled with the commitment of the organising team, had contributed to the successful staging of the prestigious race.
He said the event had also strengthened ties between Malaysia and Bahrain.
"Salute to everyone who worked tirelessly - from bus drivers, security personnel and volunteers to traders and cleaners. Behind the excitement were their hard work and dedication, which deserve our appreciation.
"Thank you to F1 fans from around the world who attended, especially Malaysians who brought the race to life and welcomed our guests with warmth and courtesy,” he said.
Anwar also praised Malaysians for projecting a positive image of the country to international visitors.
"You showed the world a Malaysia that is friendly, open and rich in the spirit of goodwill. Hopefully, we will meet again in Sepang. Insya-Allah!” he said.
The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026, held from Oct 2 to 4, marked Formula 1’s return to Sepang after a nine-year absence. The circuit last hosted an F1 race in 2017.
Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen won yesterday’s race, with Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver and championship leader Kimi Antonelli finishing second and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari taking third.
