BAHRAIN is getting all geared up to showcase its deep-rooted passion for motorsport – and for the possibility of extreme wet-weather conditions – at the highly anticipated Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026, says a top official.
The kingdom’s annual F1 spectacle will be taking place for the first time on the opposite side of the continent and in the vastly different setting of Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this October 2 to 4.
A large delegation of Bahraini personnel, featuring more than 500 marshals, is set to play a major role in the unique occasion, which Bahrain Motor Federation (BMF) president and Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) vice-president for sport (Middle East and North Africa) Shaikh Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa is expecting to be a ‘historic moment’.
“We are proud to take the spirit of Bahrain to Malaysia and to show the world what Bahraini professionals can contribute to an international F1 event,” Shaikh Abdulla told the GDN in an exclusive interview.
“It will be a unique experience because this will be the first time the Bahrain Grand Prix is being held outside Bahrain, while retaining the identity and spirit of our race.
“I see it as a proud moment for the kingdom, and the fact that our race continues to take place on the F1 calendar even under extraordinary circumstances is a testament to Bahrain’s strong relationship with F1 and the reputation built over many years.”
This year’s F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix was originally scheduled for April as the fourth round of the 2026 FIA F1 World Championship. It had to be called off due to the unfortunate events that have been impacting the region and the rest of the world.
But behind the vision of the wise leadership of both Bahrain and Malaysia, F1 and the FIA announced in July that the kingdom’s event will be pushing through at Malaysia’s well-established motor racing venue, which was part of the F1 calendar until 2017.
Preparations are now in full swing for the return of motorsport’s top fight to SIC, but this time with a distinctive Bahraini flavour – with the BMF and Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) working closely with the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM), SIC and the FIA on the organisation and operational delivery of the race weekend.
“Our role is to bring the experience and expertise that we have developed in more than 20 years of organising F1 in Bahrain and internationally, particularly in race operations, officials, marshals, safety, technical and logistical areas,” Shaikh Abdulla told the GDN.
“We’re working closely with BIC and our Malaysian counterparts to ensure that the event maintains the high standards associated with the Bahrain Grand Prix.
“This is an international event that requires close co-operation between all the relevant parties. Each organisation involved has its defined responsibilities, and our approach is based on co-ordination, co-operation, and sharing of expertise rather than working separately.
“The FIA will maintain its regulatory and sporting oversight, while the BMF will contribute its experience and personnel, working alongside the Malaysian authorities and the circuit.”
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